THE DRAKE DEETS
A weekly communication to our families on all things Drake!Drake Middle School12550 W. 52 Avenue Arvada, CO 80002
September 27, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for FAMILIES
Scholastic Book Fair
We need volunteers for the Scholastic Book Fair that will be held this Monday, September 30th through Friday, October 4th during the school day. It will also be open during the Craft Fair on Saturday, October 5th from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.
To help volunteer, please fill out this FORM.
Student Benefits Application
Complete your student benefits application today! Not only does this application help those who may qualify for free and reduced lunch, it also provides school based funding for our school and fee waivers for various activities.
By completing this application, you may also help our school secure additional state and federal funding, which can be used for:
Family engagement events and activities
Reducing class sizes
Supplemental literacy and math resources
Hiring additional staff based on the school’s needs
Professional development and training for staff
Before/after-school tutoring programs or summer interventions
Additionally, some families may be unaware Federal benefits for many students may have been reduced or eliminated, which previously automatically qualified them for student benefits (fee waivers). If this applies to you, it is essential to complete the application as soon as possible to ensure that your student’s school benefits remain in place. If you have any questions regarding the application process please reach out to Food Services at freeandreduced@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Your participation helps us provide the best possible resources for our students and staff, and we appreciate your support.
See the flyer for the Student Benefits Application HERE (Spanish).
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and let’s continue to make this a great school year!
October Count Attendance
Dear Drake families,
It’s official – October Count Day this year is Tuesday, October 1.
The most important action you can take to support school funding is to make sure your student attends school on that day. Much of public education funding from the State of Colorado is based on student count, so we encourage you to make sure your student comes to school that day.
The “count window” the state observes is from Tuesday, September 24 through Tuesday, October 8, but the most important student count day is Tuesday, October 1. Help us get an accurate count by having your student participate in learning that day.
If your student will be absent on Tuesday, October 1 due to illness, please call our attendance line, 303-982-1510 to report the absence. Attendance during the “count window” will help counteract an absence on Tuesday, October 1.
Thank you for your support of Drake Middle School. Every student counts!
Sincerely,
Jill E Kline
Principal
It is recommended that you do not drop off your Middle School age students at High School football games at the NAAC. High school administration and security are very busy supervising the high school students, as well as monitoring gates, teams, officials, etc. There is essentially no supervision for younger kids who are hanging out on the north and south ends of the field. Over the past couple of weeks, there has been an increase in concerning behavior from the students in these areas, so all schools are asking that Middle School students and younger not be dropped off and allowed to attend games without parental supervision. Please feel free to come and enjoy the games with your students and assist us in keeping all students safe.
Yearbooks are for Sale Now!
The 2025 Drake Middle School Yearbook is on sale now. Visit yearbookforever.com and type in Drake into the school search bar. Follow the prompts to purchase your yearbook today. The cost is $50.00.
Each year, yearbooks do sell out so please reserve yours early so your child is sure to get one!
Please note: Yearbooks can NOT be purchased through Jeffco fees
8th Grade Parents: Baby Ads need to be purchased by Thursday, October, 31st
If you want to purchase a baby ad for your graduating 8th grader, you must do that by October 31st. Go to yearbookforever.com and click on "Create a Baby Ad." Ads cost $50.00 to offset the extra pages we must purchase. We will not sell baby ads after October 31st in order to allow us to meet our first deadline.
Panorama & Pulse Survey
In Advisement on October 3rd, students will be asked to complete the Student Panorama Survey and Pulse Survey. You may review the survey questions by visiting this link. For more information on the SEL competencies visit this link. The results are compiled into both individual and group summaries of social emotional skill progress. These reports are used by district leaders and school staff to guide our development of school-wide, small group, and/or individual social emotional support. You will be notified if your child is invited to join a small group or individual intervention.
To learn more about the Panorama Parent Information and Pulse Surveys Parent Information, please read this parent letter that is also available in Spanish.
Wildflowers
Wildflowers is an empowering all-girls group dedicated to uplifting and supporting one another in a positive, inclusive space lead by Ms. Stephanie, our restorative practices liaison. Meeting once a month, we will engage in fun activities and meaningful conversations that inspire growth, friendship, and confidence.
Membership is open to dedicated students who meet the following criteria: not requested for access by a teacher, showing respect to others, and following the Drake Way. If your student is interested in joining this blossoming community, have them apply today and help us create a vibrant garden of strong, supportive friendships! Let's grow together!
Students must complete this application by October 11th. The application must be completed by the student, through their Jeffco Gmail account. We will let everyone know who is accepted into the group. First come first serve, as long as the students meet the criteria.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Drake Book/ Craft Fair
This year the PTO is putting on a craft fair in conjunction with the Drake Scholastic Book Fair. On Saturday, October 5th from 10 am to 2pm you can come shop from over 35 vendors. There will be Drake students selling their artwork, student organizations fundraising for there clubs, and so many talented artists from our community. Be sure to stop by. FLYER
MENTAL HEALTH
Drake Counseling
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During advisement, students will participate in activities designed to promote emotional well-being. We believe these lessons are crucial for building a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Please review this Family Info Flyer to learn more about warning signs, how to support your child, and so much more! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student's counselor.
SOS: Signs of Suicide Refresher for all 8th Graders: The Drake Mental Health Team will be in all math classes on October 4th and October 7th delivering a SOS: Signs of Suicide refresher lesson to all 8th graders. Please take a moment to read this letter to learn more about SOS and connect with Mandy Hodson amanda.hodson@jeffco.k12.co.us if you have any concerns about your student's participation in this lesson.
F.A.C.E. Small Groups are Back!
Do you have a student who struggles with anxiety? We're excited to start our "F.A.C.E. Your Fears" small groups again starting in mid October. This program is designed to support students in managing anxiety and improving their well-being. Please take a look at this parent Information presentation to find out more about what students will learn in the group. This will be a 6-week small group that meets weekly during Advisement on Thursday mornings. If you would like your student to be considered for the small group, please email your student's grade level counselor.
6th grade: bonnie.legg@jeffco.k12.co.us
7th grade: rebecca.ewald@jeffco.k12.co.us
8th grade: amanda.hodson@jeffco.k12.co.us
Social Emotional Learning
There will be no Social Emotional Learning Lesson the week of 09/30/024.
All Students will be giving their input through the SEL Panorama Survey during advisement on 10/3.
Second Step Lessons will begin next week. Students will also complete the Pulse survey on this first date (10/10).
FROM PTO
Please visit this newsletter to find important information about getting involved and supporting Drake's staff and students. Here, you will find information about meeting dates, hospitality, fundraising, and fun upcoming events. If you have any questions about Drake's PTO or would like to join, please email the PTO at drakemiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
Thank you Tim's Tennis Time for being a Drake PTO sponsor! Your generosity will help the staff, students and school at Drake!
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INFORMATION
Come and learn the thriller Dance and be part the annual Arvada Trick Or Treat Street on Friday, October 25th (usually around 5:15 and 7:45). Dancers of all ages 7+ are welcome to participate!
It is such a joyful event to bring zombies of all ages together to dance and build community.
Please fill out a separate Google form for each participant:
REHEARSALS AT ELITE DANCE CO.
8820 W. 116th Circle Suite A Broomfield, CO 80021
Wednesday, September 25th; 7:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, October 5th; 10:00am-11:00am
Wednesday, October 9th; 7:30pm-8:30pm Saturday, October 19th; 10:00am-11:00am
You can also learn at home with this Youtube Series: Learn Thriller Dance: Thrill The World Series
Woo hoo! Let’s get our Zombie on!
#DragonLife 🐲📷
DRAKE RESOURCES