Spring Conference Sign-Ups are here! 

Please click on this link, choose the correct teacher, sign-up for the conference and mark your calendar. Most grade levels and teachers have an in-person or virtual option. 

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.

We have our February Meeting this Friday at 7:30am in the library and we hope you can join us. We also have a virtual option if you can't make it in person. Please see the Zoom information below. 

Topics will include the following:

• SACPIE follow-up from the January Meeting and potential survey discussion

• Safety/Security Upgrades at NRE

• DAC, PTA, DBC, Teacher Updates

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86062138149?pwd=dWU0QUNrWGJBbXk1NTE3U2Y2TGhFUT09

Meeting ID: 860 6213 8149

Passcode: HW6HqE

Dear NRE Community - 

I blinked and the week was over! Somehow I perfectly planned a trip to Utah to find teachers for DCSD right in the middle of the snow storm that I didn't see it snowing in either state. I literally flew right over the snow and missed it all but I heard the drive on Wednesday morning was pretty scary. I hope everyone got to/from school and work safely. I was able to talk to a lot of potential teachers who are interested in moving to Colorado to teach and the excitement and energy was invigorating.

The weather always comes at the most inconvenient times and unfortunately Wednesday night was our Candeeland fundraiser night. The good news is we are getting another chance to play at this amazing new play place on Monday. Please join us any time from 10 am - 8 pm on Monday, February 20th. You can help support Northridge Elementary since 30% of admissions will go back to our NRE PTA. Thank you Candeeland for giving us a second chance to come out and explore this new place.

We have a lot to celebrate at NRE this week! Our NRE Team was Optimist Brain Bowl Grand Champions! They took two losses in the morning but based on points they were able to make it to the final round. They went up against some students that had mustaches (no joke) and came back to win the entire competition! Congratulations!

Our Battle of the Books competitions took place as well this week at the Douglas County Library. The 5/6 team placed 4th and the 3/4 team placed fifth in the regular battles.  The 5/6 team moved on to the semi finals which will take place next week. Good luck 5 /6 team - Go get 'em!

We finished up Wish Week and I haven't received the complete total for the Mountain Vista but I have heard rumors that we were able to grant 26 wishes; this is amazing! This means that 26 kids that are fighting significant battles are able to have their dreams come true. NRE was able to raise $8,975 which is a lot for our elementary school. Thank you for helping this great cause!

At the same time of Wish Week, we had our parties with a purpose happening and we were doing the Knock Down Hunger Challenge for Backpack Society. Backpack Society is so great to us and helps stock our pantry in the front office for students who come to school without snacks, need breakfast but can't afford it, or cannot afford lunch. They provide weekend bags for kids to help them get through the weekends as well. I truly believe that kids should not go hungry and I'm thankful that Backpack Society helps us make this a reality. NRE community showed up yet again and we were able to collect just over 150 cereal boxes. 6th grade students set them up like dominos to "knock down the hunger" and if you would like to watch the video, please click this link: NRE Knocks Down Hunger.

I hope you enjoy your 4-day weekend and we look forward to seeing you back on Tuesday! It's only 14 more school days until Spring Break which seems crazy! Where is the time going? Enjoy your family and the Colorado sunshine.

Sincerely,

Katie Lynch

DCSEAC Shining Star Nominations

The Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) is now accepting nominations for Shining Star Awards. Shining Stars are DCSD staff member/s and schools nominated for outstanding service by the parents and/or caregivers of students receiving special education services. Visit www.dcseac.org for more information and to submit a nomination. Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 24.

Mental Health Supports:

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