THE DRAKE DEETS
A weekly communication to our families on all the things Drake!Drake Middle School12550 W. 52 Avenue Arvada, CO 80002
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Drake Middle School12550 W. 52 Avenue Arvada, CO 80002
September 15th, 2023 EDITION
Upcoming Events
September 20/21 P/T Conf- Virtual (4:30-8:00)- sign ups below!
September 22 Teacher Professional Development- No School for Students
September 25 Scholastic Book Fair Begins! (See more below)
September 27 8th Grade to Warren Tech
Calendar for the Month of September
October 10 Outdoor Lab Informational Night (6th Grade Parents/Guardians Only)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for FAMILIES
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will be THIS Wed. Sept. 20 and Thursday Sept. 21 from 4:30-8:00 pm. All conferences will be held virtually. The deadline for signing up for a conference will be Wednesday- signups will be disabled at the end of the day so that teachers can plan for the families that have signed up.
Use this list to sign up for appointments with teachers/staff members. Prioritize the teachers you need to talk to. Parents will likely not be able to meet with every one of their child's teachers. Click on their sign up link, choose your time, and be sure to submit- keep track of your schedule for the teachers you sign up for.
Check your email 1-2 days before the conference- you will be sent a reminder email with the google meets link to join virtually.
Please keep your conference to 5-6 minutes. If you anticipate needing more time than this, contact the teacher individually and arrange for a phone call/meeting at another time.
PTO Providing dinner for Teachers
PTO Providing dinner for Teachers
PTO will be providing dinner for teachers during Parent Teacher Conferences. Please use this link if you are interested in helping out on Thursday!
Supervision & phones
Supervision & phones
This is just a reminder that there is no adult supervision outside of the school in the mornings until 8:30 am. Students who are not in clubs should not be dropped off until 8:30 if possible.
There is also no supervision outside after 4:20 pm. If your student does not have a pre-arranged meeting/activity with a teacher (ex: play tryouts), please have them picked up as close to 4:20 as possible.
Phones in the main office are answered for 30 minutes before and after school (8:30-4:30).
Adventure in Costa Rica!
Adventure in Costa Rica!
Drake Dragons have the opportunity to fly around the world this summer! One of the trips that has limited spots left is Adventure in Costa Rica! This trip is scheduled to take place between May 30th - June 18th!
Ms. Ewald will be holding an information night on Tuesday, September 26th. RSVP here!
Check out the tour website to see the itinerary and the different activities like hiking a volcano, rafting, ziplining and so much more!
Outdoor Lab Informational Night - 10/10 6pm
Outdoor Lab Informational Night - 10/10 6pm
Families - The Outdoor Lab Informational Night will be on October 10th at 6pm. On this night, we share information about what to pack, how to prepare, and all the things families and kiddos will need for their journey to Mt. Evans and Windy Peak.
Please join us on the evening of October 10th to get all your questions answered. Our Outdoor Lab site leaders this year will be:
Mike Williamson, Mike Hack, & Jacob Underwood
Want to work at your favorite Middle School?
Want to work at your favorite Middle School?
We are in need of classroom and office support at school! If you love working with students in classrooms, outside, and in the front office, we are hiring paraprofessionals who will provide student and teacher support in classrooms, at lunch and possibly before or after school. Visit the Jeffco job board for more information!
Attendance and Early Release- IMPORTANT!!
Attendance and Early Release- IMPORTANT!!
If you are picking your student up midday, it is very helpful if you call ahead preferably before 2pm. This gives us time to send a pass for the student and have them in the office when you arrive. It may take up to 20 minutes to retreive your student if they are not called in ahead of time.
If students are checked out early and miss class they are responsible for making up all missed material. The best action a student can take when they know they'll have an early release is to let the teacher know in advance (preferably 24hrs) and make a plan with that the teacher.
Healthy Kids Thrive
Healthy Kids Thrive
Helping Kids Thrive Parent Conference & Community Wellness Fair is a free event providing resources and hands-on practical information for parents, caregivers, and guardians to help children of all ages grow in positive ways.
Creighton Middle School | 50 S Kipling | Lakewood, CO
Thursday, October 5, 2022 | 5:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Yearbooks!
Yearbooks are on sale at yearbookforever.com for $50.00. Last year we sold out. Please reserve yours early so you are sure to get one!
Drama Club Parent Meeting
Mrs. Wicke and Ms. Brinkman will host an informational meeting for parents of all cast members on Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 PM via Google Meet. (Click on the link to join.) We will be covering all things including schedule, costumes, fees, and volunteer opportunities. Please plan to attend.
Drake TV
Click Here to enjoy this week's student-produced broadcast!
Miss an episode? Click Here to visit our archive!
MENTAL HEALTH
Drake Counseling Department
Drake Counseling Department
Judi's House Grief Group for Drake Students
The Drake Mental Health Team will be offering a grief support group through Judi's House starting in early October. Judi's House is an organization that will provide a weekly support group for grieving students who have been impacted by the death of a loved one. The small group, led by a therapist from Judi's House, will meet with 6-8 students weekly during Academic Focus for 10 weeks. If you have a student that you think may be interested and benefit from this grief support group, please contact Mandy Hodson: amanda.hodson@jeffco.k12.co.us 303-982-1434.
Lunch Groups
6th Grade: Ms. Ewald is starting Zen Bites, a lunch group for 6th grade students who want to learn mindfulness skills and calming tools. This lunch group will start on September 20th during 6th grade lunch for 6 weeks. If your student is interested in joining Zen Bites, please have them see Ms. Ewald to sign up!
7th Grade: Mrs. Hodson is starting a lunch group for students to build friendships, play games and talk about middle school life! This lunch group will meet in Ms.Hodson’s office every Wednesday for 6 weeks starting September 20th. Please sign up with Ms. Hodson. A new group will form every 6 weeks.
8th Grade: Ms. Ayde & Ms. Yacobucci are both hosting lunch groups for 8th grade students. Ms. Ayde is hosting a girls lunch group around healthy friendships. Ms. Yacobucci is hosting a lunch group for students who like Tech Decks. If your student is interested in either of these groups, have them talk with one of the 8th grade counselors.
All Grades: Mr. Schacht is hosting a boys group during lunches. This group is for any boys that prefer a break from the cafeteria and outside and want to meet some new friends! Have your student sign up with Mr. Schacht!
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and all month long, we will be sharing information on the announcements and in the Drake Deets to bring awareness to this difficult topic. Each Friday, Advisement classes will do an optional activity to practice protective factors. Protective factors are characteristics/behaviors that protect individuals from negative mindsets/behaviors. Our goal is to spread hope and share vital information so that we can keep one another safe. Jeffco has put together some community resources to "Get Educated", "Take Action," "Start a Dialogue," and "Save a Number, Save a Life."
Friday, September 8th: Trusted Adult Activity
Friday, September 15th: Thankfulness Challenge
Monday, September 18th: Strengths Check In
Friday, September 29th: Coping/calming Skills Circle Conversation
What Parents Should Know About Suicide
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Upcoming Events!
This event involves gathering middle school girls (grades 6-8) on the Mines campus to do STEM experiments and explore what it means to be an engineer and scientist. This year, Girls on the Rise will take place on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 in Friedhoff Hall from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration is open until October 7th, 2023, or until 100 spots have been filled.
Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning
On October 4th, teachers will be asked to score each student in their Access/Advisement class in the six following areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, and motivation to learn. They will use the The SSIS SEL Edition Screening/Progress Monitoring Scales, which is a strength-based tool for screening and progress monitoring social and emotional competence. Here is a link to more information: SSIS-SEL Information
9/18/23 SEL Lesson Questions for Parents.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Literacy & Technology
Literacy & Technology
Scholastic Book Fair!!
Scholastic Book Fair!!
Drake Families! We are excited to announce that our annual Scholastic Book Fair will be from September 25th through October 4th! This is our biggest fundraiser for books each year. Students will visit the library to browse books and items through their ELA classes to create their wishlists. Scholastic has a wonderful eWallet program and accepts Applepay, cash, and major credit cards. Looking for holiday gifts? Order ONLINE! OR, you can visit the fair between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
FROM 6TH GRADE
Mrs. Carpenter's 6th grade Math classes work on surface area by using 3-D boxes and Magna tiles for deeper understanding.
Outdoor Lab Dates
Outdoor Lab Dates
Some families have been asking about Outdoor Lab. This year, we will be sending our 6th graders January 30th - February 2nd and February 6th - February 9th and students go based on their Access Teacher. We do not have teachers assigned yet to their weeks, but will have that information at the Informational Night in October. We send 1 group to Mt. Evans week 1 and 2 groups to Mt. Evans and Windy Peak week 2.
We will hold our Informational Night on Tuesday, October 10th at 6pm.
FROM 7TH GRADE
Check out some 7th grade Scientists learning about Newton's Laws with Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Donohue. Ask your students about the labs they are engaging in!
FROM 8TH GRADE
Dear Families:
Warren Tech is hosting middle school tours for all Jeffco 8th grade students. The Warren Tech tour is an opportunity for students to see the program offerings for Warren Tech Central. Drake will be visiting the the Central campus on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 11:30-1:00 and will be traveling by bus.
Warren Tech is an extension of every Jefferson County high school and offers academic, career and technical training and education in 36 different programs. These programs prepare high school students with academic, career and technical skills for college, employment, and potential careers.
Please ask your child about Warren Tech following this tour. We hope it opens doors in helping students create quality futures.
If you do NOT want your child to attend please fill out the form below.
From PTO
Important Info from PTO
Important Info from PTO
DRAKE PTO GENERAL MEETING
September 19th at 6:30 in the Drake Library. We hope to see you there!
If you haven’t had a chance to buy a PTO Membership please go to DrakePTO.com.
Please contact DrakeMiddleSchoolPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
DINE OUT FOR DRAKE
September 27th (11am through 9pm) at Freedom Street Social It is located at 15177 Candelas Parkway in Arvada. Mention Drake when ordering and 20% of your total will be donated to Drake PTO. If ordering online, choose “fundraiser” and select Drake to complete your online order. Tell all your friends!
FROYO DAY ON OCT 12TH
Treat your student to a Frozen Yogurt from Bliss during 6th period on October 12th. Each FroYo is $5. There are 4 flavors to choose from! Cake batter, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream and Mango Sorbet. Order here.
We have to get our order to Bliss a week before, so orders must be placed by October 5th.
We appreciate your support in this fundraiser for Drake PTO. All funds raised go to help the school. We understand not all kids will be able to participate due to circumstances beyond their control. PTO will donate one FroYo per class for the teacher to raffle off. If you have questions about nutrition and allergies please visit the Bliss Website. Any other questions please email drakemiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
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!
SPIRIT WEAR
Thank you to all who ordered Drake Spirit Wear. We are planning to deliver it around the first week of October to the Access teacher. If you marked it as a gift, you will be able to pick it up in the office. We will keep you posted.
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!
Community Information
Girls Flag Football with Gold Crown
Gold Crown’s newest offering – Girls Flag Football. The program will be directed at 6th-8th grade girls. This first season we will begin by offering a 3-week Clinic Series. Attached is a link to the website for more information. The goal is to offer a league in Spring 2024 with actual feeder teams participating.
Click HERE to find out more!
Power of Parenting Class
Upcoming Power of Parenting Class on Sept. 17. See this flyer for more information.
West Woods Elementary Run with the Wolves
See this flyer for information about the West Woods Elementary Run with the Wolves.
Summit Jeffco
Register Today! Summit Jeffco for Families!
We are excited to invite you to our first-ever Summit Jeffco event! Designed to bring families together with district and school staff and other experts, families will learn new ways to support their student’s educational journey. Join us on Saturday, September 23, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood.
To get a sneak peek of what Summit Jeffco has in store for you, watch this video in English | Spanish and visit our Summit Jeffco webpage. There, you'll find details about our keynote speaker, Dr. Jessica Hawks, Clinical Director of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Hawks will discuss the current youth mental health crisis and equip families with strategies to support your student’s social and emotional well-being so they can thrive.
Youth Wrestling (Arvada)
Youth Wrestling (Arvada)
If you are interested in joining youth wrestling this winter, please refer to the information below:
Arvada West Area: Arvada West Youth Wresting is back. Come to the parent meeting on Tuesday, September 19th in the Arvada West library at 6 pm for more information or see the flyer: Arvada West Youth Wrestling
Youth Wrestling (Wheat Ridge)
Youth Wrestling (Wheat Ridge)
If you are interested in joining youth wrestling this winter, please refer to the information below or scan the QR code in the image.
Wheat Ridge Area: https://www.allamericanwrestlingacademy.com/
Youth Volleyball at AWHS
Youth Volleyball at AWHS
Arvada West will be hosting a youth boys volleyball camp on September 17th and 24th from 1pm to 4pm. The camp will be a tryout to play on the first Arvada boys 14u volleyball team. See the following flyer for more information: Boys Youth Volleyball Flyer or register at the following link: Boys Youth Volleyball Camp Registration.
Schools out Climbing Day Camp
Schools out Climbing Day Camp
Looking for something for the kids to do when school's out? Click here for information about G1's School's out Climbing Day Camp.
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