22-23 Important Dates/Information

We will have a presentation by Angela Frank, the Vice Chair of The State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE) at our next meeting Friday, January 13th.  As always, SAC meetings are open to every member of the NRE community, and we encourage you to attend either in person (7:30am in the library) or online via Zoom. We hope you will be able to join us!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89220508853?pwd=NHNabWlhWWtzRGFtNytPMW5YLzNQQT09

Meeting ID: 892 2050 8853

Passcode: igGF0J

Dear NRE Community - 

We made it!!! Another semester in the books! It's hard to believe that we truly have already completed a half of a school year but when they say sometimes the days are long but the years are short... I can attest to this :)

We had a lot going on this week from boomwhackers to the famous latkes with Ms. G to holiday parties this week. Did you pause and re-read that last sentence? I giggled when I wrote it because I've never heard of a boomwhacker until Ms. Davis sent me a picture of a boomwhacker that was the size of a student! Boomwhackers are instruments that are played by smacking them against the ground. Each tube is a different pitch, so the class has to work together to play a song! It was really amazing to hear the students play Jingle Bells with the boomwhackers because it took a lot of concentration and talent! I was very impressed. Boomwhackers do come in all sizes and some are as tall as our students.

In 1st grade, they learn about traditions from all around the world. I'm always so impressed to talk with the kids because they are so kind and honest about their learning and open to exploring different cultures. It's a great time of year to learn about traditions because not everyone celebrates Christmas. Each year this happens and then in 2nd grade, if students get Ms. G, they get to have her famous latkes. Ms. G and her mom get up SO early in the morning to start shredding potatoes by hand to make them from scratch and they are delicious. It's just another way that our students get to realize that we aren't all the same and we can celebrate our differences.

Thank you to all of you who donated to our Snow Pile which goes directly to Children's Hospital South Campus over off of Lucent. In the past, NRE has donated to Children's and NRE families have unfortunately needed to receive care there. The best part was they got a handmade care from NRE students and a gift from our school. I do love how we give back to our community to build one another up!

My families also likes to give back to our community. My parents and sister's family are part of the Fugowie Jeep Club. This is the third year that they have raised money to support some NRE families in need. This year they raised $2,545 to give presents and food to help some families have a better holiday season than they might have otherwise had. What people might not have known, is my sister was ordering presents right up until they wheeled her back into surgery, as soon as she was out of recovery, and even organizing gifts when they were delivered before she could even eat food! She would give you the shirt off her back if she could which is an amazing quality that she has. I'm super thankful their Jeep Club chose NRE again this year.

I hope you are able to take some time off in these next couple of weeks to spend time with your loved ones. It's certainly a busy time of year but it's also an important time of year to reflect on where we have been and where we want to be. We are not perfect (I certainly am not) and I will continue to be better each day. I do know that I will take this time to recharge and be even better next year and I hope you take time to do the same. Happy Holidays and I will see you in the new year!

~Katie Lynch

December 21, 2022

Dear DCSD Staff and Families,

We wish our students, staff and families a happy holiday season and hope everyone is able to spend the Winter Break connecting with loved ones, relaxing, or enjoying some of the fun winter activities Colorado has to offer. 

While the holidays are often a joyous time with friends and family, we know that they can also be stressful, not just for adults, but for children too. For some, traditions such as gift giving, family gathering, and travel create added pressure and stress. In addition, the holidays can trigger memories of the loss of loved ones and other traumatic events.

Some students may feel nervous about finishing up the school semester - including working through projects and exams. Family dynamics and changes in routine can be difficult to navigate during the holiday season. Many do better with predictability and being prepared in advance for activities when there is a change in the normal daily routine. 

Connection and awareness are so important and this Winter Break may be a great opportunity for increased opportunities to connect with family and friends. Similar to the rest of the year, being mindful of media and social media content that children and youth are exposed to is important to help them manage a healthy balance. 

If you are concerned that your child or another loved one may be experiencing changes in their mood or have suicidal behaviors or thoughts, please remember:

• Stay with the child or person until you are sure they are safe

• Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to the child or others 

• Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support

  • You can also chat with someone using the link: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) 

  • Trained Crisis Counselor Hotline: (844) 493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255

  • Chat online (open from 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. daily): Click Here

  • Walk-in Locations (open 24/7): Location List 

  • Information About Types of Services and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Crisis Services 

• DCSD Mental Health Intervention website

• DCSD Sources of Strength website

• Mobile apps for wellness and recovery

• Let’s Talk Colorado (Douglas County Government and Tri-County Health campaign)

Douglas County has an anonymous reporting system available at all times. Anyone with a concern for someone’s well-being or safety can use Safe2Tell (1-877-542-7233) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Below is a list of community centers in our metro area:

• Colorado Crisis Center Walk-In Locations

• AllHealth Network: 303-730-8858

• Denver Springs: 720-410-6319

• Highlands Behavioral Health System: 720-348-2800

• Peakview Behavioral Health: 888-235-9475

As always, your partnership in keeping our children safe is very appreciated. On behalf of DCSD teachers and staff, we wish you a safe and joyous Winter Break.

Student Support Services Team

Douglas County School District