In the past, we have requested that students bring their school IDs to lunch. There are many students who stand in a very long line because they don't bring their ID.  In the near future, our pin pads will be updating, and the lines for the students without IDs will be longer than usual.  Nutrition services is again requesting that all students bring their IDs to lunch every day.  If parents could help with messaging this to their students, it would be much appreciated. 

Leadership will be hosting our second social of the school year. It will be held at Drake on Thursday, February 15 from 5:30-7:00pm.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Michelle Johnson at michelle.johnson2@jeffco.k12.co.us. Any students with 2+ F's will not be able to attend the social.  More details to come!

Registration for Track & Field and Soccer opens on February 19th! Be sure to visit the Skyhawks website soon as they will start to upload important information. Both seasons begin the week of March 25th.

6th and 7th Grade Parents: Important Honors Science Information

Drake is hosting a science fair Mar 5, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 pm.  Sixth and 7th grade students who are interested in honors science for 8th grade need to sign up in their science google classroom.  Students have received a presentation about the science fair requirements.  They can talk to their science teacher if they have more questions and/or if they need help.  Students are expected to complete the science fair with minimal parent involvement.  There will be additional meetings during school to help the students with their projects.  Science fair is required in either 6th or 7th grade to apply for honors science.   

SAVE THE DATE!  This year, we are excited to announce that we will be changing tradition by combining our well-loved 8th grade Awards Assembly with a Continuation Ceremony.  More details to come, but 8th grade families should SAVE the evening of May 22, 2024 for this special event.  All 8th grade students will be acknowledged and celebrated at this event!

Social Emotion Learning Questions for Families 

The Drake Mental Health Team will be teaching a refresher class to 7th graders on Signs of Suicide during ELA classes on January 23rd and 26th.  Here is a link to the SOS Parent Letter, which provides extensive information on the program.

Drake's Healthy Kids Colorado Survey Results 

NEXT PTO MEETING

Please join us for our next PTO meeting on February 20th at 12:45 in the Drake Boardroom.

SPIRIT WEAR STORE OPEN!

Drake Spirit Wear Store is NOW open through Sunday, March 3rd.  The store will NOT be open again this school year.  Please reach out to the Drake PTO with any questions.

LINK: https://drakemiddle2024winter.itemorder.com/

WISH YOUR STUDENT A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wish your student a Happy Birthday on the Drake digital marquee!

Get your student a "Happy Birthday!" with their name to rotate through the messages on the marquee throughout the day you choose (located at the entrance, off 52nd Ave.). 

The cost is $20, with all funds going back to Drake PTO. We need a minimum of three days to get the message scheduled and uploaded to the marquee. Click here to order today!

Drake Spirit Wear Store is NOW open through Sunday, March 3rd.  The store will NOT be open again this school year.  Please reach out to the Drake PTO with any questions.

CARPOOL BUDDIES

If you are interested in carpooling and wondering who lives around you that wants to carpool too, please fill out this Carpool Buddies form.  Help save your time and make friends!  

We will share the Carpool Buddies Spreadsheet with only those who have filled out the form.  Then it’s up to you to find someone who lives near you and contact them.  We hope this can help make a fantastic year!

Students attending RVHS as 9th Graders for the upcoming school year will be receiving course selection materials on February 8.  Parents are invited to attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 (Location: Ralston Valley HS Auditorium) to receive information related to graduation requirements and the course selection process.

See this flyer for more information if you have a 6th-12th grader who is interested in being an RVHS POM!

Ralston Valley High School continues to be a HUGE supporter of Make a Wish Colorado.  Their goal this year is to raise $82,000 to make 11 Arvada kids wishes come true!  Here is some information on how the Drake community can get involved in making wishes come true!  

Ralston Valley Make a Wish Website

Restaurant Nights

Silent Auction Link 

See this flyer for information about Golden High School Cheer tryouts. 

Drake is tied with 4 other schools for entries in the Civics Bee. Any help in pushing this out to students is much appreciated. 

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the 2024 National Civics Bee.  The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Middle school students with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in our community can participate in an essay competition for a cash prize! PLUS we are excited to give the Jeffco Middle School with the most essay entries at $400 Library Donation.  

To enter, students to submit a 500-word essay on the following via our website.: 

Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay that includes the following:

• What is the problem, and how do different members of your community or neighborhood view it?

• What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?

• What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?

• What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?

• How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?

Essay submissions are due by January 22nd through our website. You can find out more and submit entries HERE.