Parentsquare Logo

  • School Board Update

    Dear Families, I wanted to make you aware of several important changes on our Board of Education. Please see the information below regarding new members, outgoing members, and a member’s resignation.  New Board Members On Tuesday, December 5, 2023 two new Board members took the oath of office. Please welcome Katie Wilberding Cross and Davon Williams to the Englewood Schools Board of Education. Ms. Wilberding Cross will be serving as President. Mr. Williams will be serving as Secretary. Outgoing Board Members We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Caty Husbands and Mr. Gary Manfre for their many years of service on the Board.   Board Member Resignation On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Mr. Steven Leflar resigned his position on the Board of Education. Mr. Leflar's seat will be declared vacant, and we will update the community on the process to fill the vacancy in the near future. We appreciate his service to Englewood Schools and wish him well. The Board will be moving forward with a resolution to declare a vacancy for the open board seat at the December 19, 2023 work session, which will now be considered a Special Meeting. During that meeting, the Board will outline the procedures for individuals who wish to submit a statement of interest along with details about their qualifications. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions at 303-806-2009 or  joanna_polzin@engschools.net . Thank you and have a wonderful evening.  In Partnership, Joanna Polzin

    Friday, Dec 08 2023

  • Monthly Family Newsletter - December 2023

    Monthly Family Newsletter |  December 2023            A Message from the Superintendent -  Dear Englewood Schools’ Families, Students are hitting their stride this time of year. They begin to see the reward of their hard work in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the art studio, at rehearsals, and with the friendships they have made. One of the great rewards of being in education is seeing students grow. A major reason they are growing is due to your support at home. Together, we can celebrate our students’ growth and successes.       There are several examples of celebrating student success that I want to share with you. I had the honor of meeting families celebrating their student’s learning at the Bishop Elementary Showcase Night. Their enthusiasm and sense of pride as they spoke about their work was inspiring. We had our first-ever Pathway Day and invited our sixth-grade students from across the district to Englewood High School to explore first-hand a variety of Career/Technical Education (CTE) and science-related pathways available to all students. The experience was led by high school students from both Englewood High School (EHS) and Colorado's Finest High School of Choice. This event was followed up with a Showcase Night at EHS. Another success that I appreciate is the middle school honor roll celebration. In quarter one, Englewood Middle School and Leadership Academy celebrated 87 students who earned a 3.5 or higher grade point average; this is approximately 26% of the student body! There are many more achievements to celebrate, and I hope you are able to check out the District Events Calendar  to attend one at your student’s school. Please continue to help celebrate your children by inquiring about their practices and rehearsals, checking Infinite Campus (IC) for their grades, partnering with teachers on attendance and assignments, and giving them a high-five when they have completed their homework or read you a book. Celebrating the little things is sometimes just as important as celebrating the big things. Whether you are celebrating your student by attending events, volunteering, or making donations – the impact of your support is immense. I take pride in being part of such a successful school community that positively affects students' lives, and I hope you do too.  In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates LEARNING SERVICES EHS Celebrates Remarkable Success on State Test Englewood Schools is thrilled to announce that students at Englewood High School have outscored the state average on the PSAT/NMSQT this fall. This achievement reflects the school's unwavering commitment to providing a rigorous and engaging learning environment that fosters academic excellence among its students. Congratulations to the students and staff at EHS! Clayton Elementary Honored as a US News and World Report 2024 Best Elementary School On November. 14, U.S. News and World Report published their 2024 Best Elementary Schools, and the news is good for Clayton Elementary School! Clayton Elementary School placed among the top 40% of elementary schools in the state of Colorado, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary School.  This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Clayton community.  Congratulations on a job well done! OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS AND INCLUSION Inclusive Excellence As the weather cools down outside, my hope for our community is that we can be warm toward one another. Human diversity comes in many forms: religious or spiritual beliefs, ability, home language, race, ethnicity, gender identity, socio-economic status, neurodiversity, family structures, and the list goes on… how beautiful to have such depth within one species, and how amazing to have the opportunity to develop compassion across not only across our similarities but also our uniqueness. Unfortunately, the data is telling us we still have a lot of work to do in terms of developing compassion across our differences. We have noticed a rise in discriminatory language and behavior lately, especially when it comes to racial identity. Nationally, we have seen a rise based on religious identity as well. In a recent press release, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said: "Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they are—or are perceived to be—Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn.” Belonging is a  fundamental need , and the lack thereof leads to detrimental outcomes in health, social mobility, education, and so on. This marginalization also masks from the world the incredible gifts, talents, and treasures held by diverse communities. I would be honored to work in partnership with our community members to make a plan that honors what our families and students need in regard to racial equity and healing. My goals with this work are to create a community-focused learning plan to better understand race, racism and other kindred struggles, and to share resources and tools to address the harm caused when racist and other discriminatory issues occur. If you or your child have been impacted by racism and would like to share your experiences to help inform this work, or if you are interested in co-planning this with me, please email me. Additionally, our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education department is hosting the next  Multilingual Family Night on Wednesday, December 13th. Get  more info and RSVP here . In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque  Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion COMMUNITY FedEx and Operation Warm  FedEx and Operation Warm supported Bishop and Cherrelyn Elementary by providing all students with a brand-new winter coat.  Jennifer Johnson, health/office para at Bishop Elementary and Clarice Fortunato, school/family/community liaison, coordinated with Nery Silverio at Operation Warm and Lia Batchkoff of Fed Ex to make this event a memorable success for all involved.   The Fed Ex volunteers enjoyed "shopping" with each child to help them find the coat of their choice and fit them perfectly for the cold weather season.  Students enjoyed the special attention and having the experience of choosing their very own brand new coat; which for many students was a new experience.  A special thank you to all involved for making this truly magical experience come to life for our students! Upcoming Free and Low-Cost Events District Events Dec. 5:  Charles Hay - Chipotle Night (4-8 p.m. at the Englewood Hampden Location) Dec. 7:  Clayton '24-'25 Kindergarten Tour (9:30 a.m.) Dec. 12: Charles Hay '24-'25 Kindergarten Tour (8:30 a.m.) Dec. 13:  Cherrelyn '24-'25 Kindergarten Tour (9:00 a.m.) Dec. 13:  Charles Hay - Kindergarten Open House (4:30-5:30p.m.) Dec. 13:  Multilingual Family Night at Cherrelyn (5-7 p.m.) Dec. 14:  Clayton PTO Fundraiser at Colorado Chop Shop (4:00-7:30 p.m.) Dec. 15:  Cherrelyn PTSO Fundraiser at Chuck-e-Cheese (4:00-8:00 p.m.) Dec. 19:  Cherrelyn '23-'24 Kindergarten Open House at (4:00 p.m.) Dec. 19 : Charles Hay Polar Express Concert at TEC (6:00-7:00 p.m.) Dec. 20 : Bishop '23-'24 Kindergarten Open House (3:00-3:30 p.m.) Dec. 22-Jan. 8: No School for Holiday Break                  Community Events Nov. 17-Dec. 23 :  Denver Christkindlmarket Nov. 29-Dec.26 : Nightly  Denver Union Station-Merry & Bright Lights Dec. 10:  Cherry Creek Chanukah Celebration Dec. 10 & 17: Sunday Train Rides at Belleview Park Dec. 12 : Free Day:  Denver Art Museum Dec. 15 : Free Holiday Concert:  Denver Brass Dec. 27 : Kwanzaa Celebration at Green Valley Ranch Library BOARD OF EDUCATION Englewood Schools Board of Education Board of Education Meetings : On December 5 , the Englewood Schools Board of Education will hold its Biennial Board Organizational Meeting in person at ECE - 3838 S. Huron St., Englewood beginning at 5:15 p.m. and streamed online here . On December 5 the Englewood Schools Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting in person at ECE - 3838 S. Huron St., Englewood at 6:00 p.m. and streamed online here .  New Board Members At the Biennial Board Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, two new board members took the oath of office. Please welcome Katie Wilberding Cross and Davon Williams to the Englewood Schools Board of Education. Ms. Wilberding Cross will be serving as President and Mr. Williams will be serving as Secretary. Outgoing Board Members At the December 5 Regular Meeting, Superintendent Polzin read words of thanks from staff members as the outgoing Board Members, Caty Husbands and Gary Manfre were honored for their years on the Board of Education and attended their last meeting as Board Members. Upcoming Board Meetings : On January 9, 2024, the Board of Education will have its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox - 3838 S. Huron St. and streamed online here . To participate in Public Comment at this meeting, please complete this form by noon on January 9. On January 23, 2024, the Board of Education will have its Work Session in person at ECE at Maddox - 3838 S. Huron St. and streamed online here . Please note the full agendas of all board meetings will be posted in BoardDocs the Friday before each meeting. Updated Board Policies: Board Policies  JFBA ,  JFBB ,  LBD* ,  GBAA ,  IHBIB ,  CBF ,  GBEB ,  KI  and Regulations  JFBA-R ,  JFBB-R  and  LBD-R   were updated.  To view the redlined policies, go to the  11-8-23 BoE meeting agenda .  All active policies can be found  here . GOOD NEWS STORIES A Lunchroom Touchdown On Wednesday, November 8, Chris Harris Jr. along with his wife Leah Harris joined the Regular Board Meeting via Google Meet to accept recognition from Joanna Polzin, Superintendent along with the Board of Education. Read more in the Pirateer. Holidays with the Hariis' - the couple join together to do great things  in the community through their charity. (Nicole Withee) Connect with us: December 7, 2023

    Thursday, Dec 07 2023

  • A Message from Superintendent Polzin

    Dear Families and Staff, Our Voters are Clear- Ballot Measure 4A, Believe in Englewood Schools Passes Voters supported Englewood’s next generations and its education workforce -  all without increasing taxes  Believe in Englewood Schools, Yes on 4A, received strong voter support resulting in the passage of the Debt Free Schools Mill.  This creates a long-term revenue stream to be used on new technology and maintenance needs while opening up general fund dollars to be invested in new salary schedules for school personnel, competitive salaries for teachers, and preparing students for success, all while retaining tax neutrality for Englewood homeowners.  The district will now have a predictable, long-term source of funding for operations, maintenance, and technology. This will enable us to invest in competitive salaries for teachers and support staff, maintain small class sizes, and continue to grow high-quality academic programs that keep Englewood great. It was truly a team effort, and I cannot thank the voters of Englewood enough for their support of this measure and our schools. Gina Olberding, a co-chair of the Believe in Englewood Schools campaign said, “ The outpouring of support we have seen from this community and our volunteers has been astounding.” I echo Gina’s sentiments and want to thank the dedicated community members, teachers, Board members, administration, and school personnel who took the time to ensure we had a winning measure that will positively impact students and staff. Duane Tucker, Board President, was campaigning with the team through snow and cold weather with our volunteers, knocking on thousands of doors and meeting voters who deeply care about our schools and our community. Rosemary Wulf, president of the Englewood Educators Association, was instrumental in helping us organize a successful campaign as well.  Amber Darnell, a dedicated Englewood educator at the middle school and co-chair of Believe in Englewood Schools said, “Competitive salaries for teachers and support staff will allow Englewood to retain our highly skilled and talented teachers keeping our schools strong.” Marie Hotta, Englewood parent and volunteer coordinator for Believe in Englewood Schools, shared, “I am thankful to all of the volunteers who knocked doors, staffed outreach events, donated, and worked tirelessly to help pass this measure.” Tiffany Kapler, an Englewood parent, graciously served as the treasurer for the campaign.  We are a community that takes pride in our state-of-the-art buildings, smaller class sizes, a variety of career and technical education classes and certifications, concurrent enrollment options, and talented staff. Every day, we work in partnership with families to understand each child's gifts and needs, so we can help all students grow and succeed. Thank you for passing this Mill Levy, the first since 2016, which will allow us to keep Englewood Schools competitive with neighboring districts in a smaller setting and continue to build a new tradition of excellence. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin Superintendent

    Wednesday, Nov 08 2023

  • Monthly Family Newsletter - November 2023

    Monthly Family Newsletter |  November 2023            A Message from the Superintendent - Our Mission and Our Community Dear Englewood Schools’ Families, Our mission in Englewood Schools is to prepare all students for future success through learning, leading, engagement and action. I see evidence of this in our vertical articulation for post-secondary success in the classrooms at our Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Maddox all the way through to the labs in our high schools.  Research shows children’s career awareness and aspirations start in elementary school. Therefore, every action we take as educators has a meaningful impact on a student's future success, starting with their experience in early childhood education and continuing through discussions about careers during Pirate Time, all the way to their participation in high school Career and Technical Education pathways. As a community, we come together to provide opportunities for our students to explore a variety of subjects and careers so we can help them in their success after high school.  Recently, Englewood High School hosted its Future’s Fair. All students attended the Fair and were able to talk to industry partners such as Swedish Hospital and the Construction Industry Training Council. There were over ten colleges for students to visit including Metropolitan State University, Colorado Mesa University and CU Boulder. There were two branches of the military present as well. We can host events like this thanks to the wonderful support of our community. This is just one of the ways Englewood is a truly special place; our community comes together for our students. Another example is the Englewood Educator's Foundation, which generously donated to support our Marching Band's participation in the state competition and funded materials for our STEAM classrooms with an emphasis on early career exposure. We have future musicians, future collegiate athletes, future doctors, future educators and future leaders learning in every classroom in Englewood Schools.  Our Englewood community creates opportunities for our students to see themselves as positive contributors to society. An Englewood Schools' education truly opens doors for students. We couldn’t do it without our amazing community supporting us every step of the way! In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates LEARNING SERVICES 2024-25 School Year Calendar We need your feedback! The Englewood Schools' school year calendar is designed to provide a focus on the academic growth and achievement of students. Englewood Schools would like input from various stakeholders including administration, instructional coaches, teachers, parents, transportation personnel, and others to create the calendar. Please note the following values including where we have flexibility and what areas are required by the Colorado Department of Education. As part of the stakeholder input process, please fill out this Google Form to indicate your preferred calendar. 2023 Pathway Day Announcement We have an exciting opportunity to share with you and your 6th-grade students in our district this year! On November 16th, 2023, Englewood High School will be hosting a "Pathway Day" in the gym, where ALL 6th-grade students throughout the district are invited to experience firsthand the different high school pathways we have available in our high schools (Engineering/Computer Science, SAGE, Culinary, Biomedical, and Journalism/Broadcasting). These experiences will be led by current high school teachers and students who are involved in these pathways, giving students a chance to not only experience the pathways but to hear about them from their high school peers as well. Our goal is to excite 6th-grade students for the opportunities available to them in Englewood when they begin high school through a hands-on and unforgettable experience, and we are thrilled to offer "Pathway Day" for the first time this year! With over 160 6th-grade students in the district, we will split the day into an AM and PM session: AM Session (8:45-11:30)- Charles Hay, Bishop, Englewood Leadership Academy PM Session (11:45-2:15)- Cherrelyn, Clayton Permission forms will be shared with you in accordance with your school's procedures, with the exception of Englewood Leadership Academy (as this trip is on the same school site). If you have any questions about this experience, please email Paul Whitaker , Instructional Technology and PK-8 STEAM Coordinator, or email  Thomas Rode , EHS Assistant Principal.  This experience during the day is designed for our 6th-grade students. However, if you are interested in learning more as a parent/guardian, we invite you to attend the EHS Showcase Night on the evening of Thursday, November 16th from 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Thank you, and we are very excited for your students to experience the 2023 Pathway Day!    Interim Data Celebrataions The results are in for Interim 1 for the 2023-2024 school year. There is much to celebrate with student achievement and growth for our students. Thank you for all your hard work in supporting your student! Highlighted below are district-wide grade levels that had double-digit growth in proficiency from Interim 1 in 2022-2023 to Interim 1 in 2023-2024. Congratulations to the two schools that had double-digit growth overall!  Clayton Elementary increased the overall Language Arts proficiency scores by 11.3 points! Englewood High School  increased the overall Math proficiency scores by 11.4 points! The following school grade level teams also increased their overall proficiency scores by  double-digits !   Charles Hay 6th grade Language Arts Increased by 10.2 points 3rd grade Math Increased by 25 points Cherrelyn 6th grade Language Arts Increased by 13.7 points 3rd grade Math Increased by 12.4 points 6th grade Math Increased by 43.9 points Clayton   2nd grade Language Arts Increased by 24.5 points 3rd grade Language Arts Increased by 34.8 points 4th grade Math Increased by 14.3 points Englewood Middle School 7th grade Language Arts  Increased by 15.5 points Englewood Leadership Academy 7th grade Language Arts Increased by 11.5 points 6th grade Math Increased by 11.3 points 7th grade Math  Increased by 15.1 points Englewood High School 9th grade Language Arts Increased by 12.5 points 10th grade Language Arts Increased by 13.7 points Geometry Increased by 19.2 points OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS AND INCLUSION Inclusive Excellence As our small part of the world transitions toward winter, nature is giving us a cue to move from the summer hustle to harvest and hygge (which, for the Danish, is about taking time to go slow and “be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures”). So, what are some of the ways you want to spend quality time with your loved ones and/or yourself this month? Below, are resources for critical issues in November and beyond: November is Native American Heritage Month ! Colorado has been held in stewardship by over 40 tribal nations who were forcibly removed from this land. Even though they faced genocide, colonization, and other atrocities, the presence of Native people and culture continues to enrich our communities. This is an impactful month to consider Native perspectives, and culture, and build our awareness. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while many people enjoy traditions like celebrating with family, practicing gratitude, and charitable giving, please consider that this might not be a joyous time for everyone: Teaching Thanksgiving in a Socially Responsible Way . Over the last several weeks, we have seen the horrors of war and violence take a toll on Israelis, Palestinians, Jewish, and Muslim people not only in the Middle East but right here in the U.S. as well. The brutality of these horrific events has been traumatic for all of us, but especially for children. For 24/7 mental health resources, please contact Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. Additionally, here are some resources suggested by the Colorado Department of Education to support conversations with your children: How to talk to your children about conflict and war – UNICEF: Eight tips on how to approach the conversation with children and provide them with support and comfort. Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During Crises – Learning for Justice: People struggle to respond when traumatizing events occur in our communities, across the country, and around the world. For families, educators, and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, recommendations and resources are available. How to Talk to My Kids about Violence in the News and Explaining the News to Our Kid s – Common Sense Media: Even when we're struggling, our kids look to us for answers. Knowing how and when to talk with kids and when to listen can help. Age-appropriate ideas for talking and listening are available here . Please review the “Responding to Bias, Discrimination, or Harassment” section of the Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion webpage for resources or make an anonymous report through Safe2Tell (call 877-542-7233, make a report online , or use their mobile app). In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque  Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion COMMUNITY Winter Weather Information and Procedures It is that time of year when winter weather begins to roll into Colorado. As a friendly reminder, our updated procedures for weather delays and closures are on our website . Communication about weather delays and closures will be made through ParentSquare, the Englewood Schools’ website , phone calls, emails, television news outlets,   Facebook ,  Instagram , and  X   (formerly known as Twitter). Debt Free Schools Mill: Believe in Englewood Schools (aka Arapahoe County School District No. 1) On August 29, the Englewood Schools Board of Education voted unanimously 5-0 to place the Debt-Free Schools Mill Levy on the November 2023 Ballot. It will appear on ballots as Measure 4A. If passed by voters, the measure will increase funding to Englewood Schools with no property tax increase for homeowners or business owners. This measure will increase the Debt-Free Schools Act by no more than 5 mills while Englewood Schools decreases the General Obligation Bond Mill Levy by the same amount.  If passed, funding will be used across the district for:  New technology  Existing technology upgrades  Maintenance needs  By creating long-term revenue streams to offset these costs, general fund dollars will be freed up to invest in: Competitive salaries for teachers  New salary schedules for school personnel like custodians, nutrition services, para-professionals, and bus drivers  Investment in our educational programs Preparing students for success  You can read more about Initiative 4A including arguments for and against the ballot initiative on  our website .  Thank you for being an engaged member of our Englewood Schools community.  Upcoming Free and Low-Cost Events District Events Nov. 9:  Bishop's Fall Showcase of Learning from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 20 - 24: No School for Thanksgiving Break                  Community Events Nov. 3 :  40 West Art District: Día de los Muertos Art Crawl and Celebration Nov. 3 and Nov. 6 : Englewood Education Foundation-Denver Nuggets Community Night benefitting Englewood Schools Nov. 7 and Nov. 12:  Free Day: Denver Zoo (must register) Nov.  11:  Veterans Day Parade and Festival Check out More events to celebrate Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month: Indigenous Art Market Denver Indian Center Events Nuggets Native American Heritage Night Game Board of Education    Board of Education Meetings: On Tuesday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held a Work Session. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online here . Please note agendas of all board meetings will be posted in  BoardDocs the Friday before each meeting.  Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: November 8 (Wednesday due to election) - Regular Meeting at ECE at 6:00 P.M. To participate in Public Comment at the November 8 Regular Meeting, please complete this form by noon on November 8. Updated Board Policies: Board Policies JK, JKA, JKD/JKE, JBB, and regulation JKD/JKE-R were presented and will have the 2nd reading at the Regular Board Meeting on November 8, 2023. All active policies can be found  here .    Board of Education Election : Englewood Schools has two of five seats on its Board of Education available for the election on November 7, 2023.  For more information regarding our unopposed candidates: Check out the Candidate Info page of our website.  EHS Broadcast Journalism students interview the Englewood School Board candidates: Listen Now - Katie Wilberding Cross Listen Now - Davon Williams Good News Stories On Tuesday, October 3rd, all Englewood Leadership Academy students engaged in a day of immersive team building. Students set goals, engaged with peers at Urban Air or Sky Zone indoor trampoline parks, and returned to school for afternoon rotations of active challenges, strategy games, and name games.   The immersion day was designed to promote opportunities to practice leadership, listening, collaboration, communication, and teamwork - plus heaps of fun and provided cooperation between our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Lots of smiles and laughter all day. Students also participated in a name challenge and by the end of the day, one 8th grader was able to write down 92 of our 98 names!   Englewood Middle School/Englewood Leadership Academy Englewood Middle School and Englewood Leadership Academy have initiated a new social/emotional curriculum called CharacterStrong. This curriculum includes various sessions to teach the social skills and character traits to be successful in navigating life.  The resource includes games and activities that the students find fun and engaging, and create deeper-level thinking and conversations. Both students and staff are creating a safe place to share opinions and thoughts while respecting different views.  There are also "character dares" that challenge the students to put their knowledge into action and spread kindness.   We have been very pleased with the kickoff of the curriculum and are excited to see both the short and long-term effects moving forward! Connect with us: November 2, 2023

    Thursday, Nov 02 2023

  • Monthly Family Newsletter - October 2023

    Monthly Family Newsletter |  October 2023            A MESSAGE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT Dear Englewood Schools' Families, Academics are a point of pride for Englewood Schools. We are extremely proud to have five of our schools recognized as Performance, the highest level of achievement, by the Colorado Department of Education. We prioritize the academic growth and achievement of every student in Englewood Schools.  Conferences are a pivotal time for us to better understand how to meet your student’s unique needs. Additionally, meeting with your student’s teacher is an essential part of creating a strong home-school connection. Research shows when parents/guardians are involved in their student’s education, student achievement is higher. We value the partnership we have with parents, guardians, and families. We want you to get to know your child’s teachers and have a positive relationship with them.  We believe that parent-teacher conferences are a two-way conversation. Teachers will update you on the academic progress, social development, and overall performance of your student in school. This is your opportunity to share what is unique about your child. You will also be able to ask questions and discover ways to support your learner at home. Having an open dialogue with your child’s teacher will help your student be more successful at school.  Conferences are right around the corner. We are looking forward to having you attend so we can get to know you better and how to provide the best education possible for your child. Conferences will take place on Tuesday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 18. Please check your school’s website or contact your school for the exact times of these important meetings.  In Englewood, we care deeply about the academic and social-emotional success of your student. We are excited to welcome you into the schools and experience the positive learning environment that your students experience every day. Thank you for being a strong partner in your child’s education.  In Partnership, Joanna Polzin Superintendent For Parents and Guardians  Here are some helpful resources from Clarice Fortunato, our School, Family, and Community Liaison: Tips for Successful Parent/Teacher Conferences Check out this article by Colorín Colorado filled with  helpful ideas and useful tips to make the most out of parent-teacher conferences. Helping Kids Learn From Home Explore these beneficial videos and materials from The Meadows Center that are designed to assist your child's literacy and math skills while learning from home. District News and Department Updates STUDENT SERVICES October is Conflict Resolution Month Englewood Schools, EPD, Englewood Library, Englewood Courts, and the City of Englewood collaborated to create opportunities for conflict resolution, skill development, and networking.  Check out this link to see the many opportunities to get involved in the City of Englewood and a complete list of events . In addition, each school in our district is helping students develop conflict resolution skills through various methods, including read-alongs, presentations, Police Student Dialogues, Restorative Practices Circles, and everyday language.  TRANSPORTATION National School Bus Safety National School Bus Safety Week is an annual event that takes place this year from October 16th to October 20th. This week-long program is designed to educate the public and create awareness about school bus safety. It is a great opportunity for parents, students, teachers, school bus operators, school administrators, and motorists to participate and contribute to a safer school transportation experience. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week. OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS AND INCLUSION Inclusive Excellence September was an incredible month for opportunity, access and inclusion in Englewood, and October brings many more celebrations. Here are some highlights: This article in the Englewood Herald spotlights how Englewood Schools strives for an environment of belonging Hispanic Heritage Month ends October 15th. We’re also celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month , and LGBTQ History Month throughout October.  It’s also Conflict Resolution Month! This resource for Talk Moves to Respond to Bias offers sentence stems to help you address discriminatory behavior to create a safe and supportive school climate.  Indigenous People’s Day: Rethinking American History : On the second Monday of October, many cities honor Indigenous People’s Day in place of Columbus Day. We can’t forget Halloween, which is a cherished holiday for many people. Please keep in mind (and heart) that we can cause harm through culturally appropriative costumes and practices (even if it’s not intentional). Here are a couple of resources to help: Cultural Appropriation: Culture is Not a Costume and  Three Pillars for Cultural Appreciation . In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque  Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion GLOBAL CONNECTION Former Superintendent, Dr. Rubin was interviewed by Colorado Public Radio on Colorado's relief efforts in Morocco and how she learned from her students after the Moroccan earthquake last month. To hear the interview, go here or read the print version . COMMUNITY Annual Denver Nuggets Fundraiser Come cheer on the Denver Nuggets while supporting the Englewood Education Foundation! By purchasing your tickets through the QR code, you are supporting Englewood Schools' student programs and scholarships.   Englewood Parks & Recreation: Youth Programs Check out the fall youth programs Englewood Parks & Rec is offering. Go to their registration site for the descriptions, dates and to register for programs like Escape the Rec, Games Games Games, or School Daze Out.   Champions Closed on Friday, October 20 Please note - All Champions programming will be closed on Friday, October 20th for their statewide professional development day.    Reminder - No School No school for ALL students on Friday, October 6. No school for elementary students on Wednesday, October 18. No school for ALL students on Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20.  Enjoy your time off!   Ballot Measure 4A On August 29, the Englewood Schools Board of Education voted unanimously 5-0 to place the Debt-Free Schools Mill Levy on the November 2023 Ballot. It will appear on ballots as Measure 4A.  If passed by voters, the measure will increase funding to Englewood Schools with no property tax increase for homeowners or business owners. This measure will increase the Debt-Free Schools Act by no more than 5 mills while Englewood Schools decreases the General Obligation Bond Mill Levy by the same amount.  If passed, funding will be used across the district for:  New technology  Existing technology upgrades  Maintenance needs  By creating long-term revenue streams to offset these costs, general fund dollars will be freed up to invest in:  Competitive salaries for teachers  New salary schedules for school personnel like custodians, nutrition services, para-professionals, and bus drivers  Investment in our educational programs Preparing students for success  You can read more about Initiative 4A including arguments for and against the ballot initiative on our  website .  Thank you for being an engaged member of our Englewood Schools community.  Upcoming Free and Low-Cost Events District Events Oct 6:  No School for students Parent/Teacher Conferences will be on  Oct. 17 and 18 :  (check your school for times) Oct. 18:  EHS Future Fair from 2:30-5 pm Oct. 18:  No school for elementary students Oct. 19 and 20 : No school for all students                     Oct. 26:  EMS/ELA - Trick or Treat Street from 5-7 pm at EHS-Randy Penn Stadium (open to all; students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian) Oct. 27:  Bishop Fall Festival from 4-6 pm ($5 entry;  open to all)  Community Events Oct. 7 : Free day  Denver Zoo (must pre-register) Oct. 7 : Hispanic Heritage Month Family Lotería/Bingo Oct. 13-15 :  Halloween Bootique free or pay-what-you-can costumes Oct 15 : Free day Denver Museum of Nature and Science Oct. 21 : Englewood Fall Market Oct. 2 1 : Englewood Trunk or Treat Oct. 21 : Broadway Halloween Parade Oct. 21 and 22 : Arapahoe County Treat Street Nov. 3 : 40 West Art District: Día de los Muertos Art Crawl and Celebration Nov.  3:  Englewood Education Foundation-Denver Nuggets Community Night benefiting Englewood Schools Check out more Hispanic Heritage Month events .  Board of Education    Board of Education Meetings: On Tuesday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held a Work Session. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online here . On Tuesday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online here or read the Board Briefs . Please note agendas of all board meetings will be posted in  BoardDocs the Friday before each meeting.  Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: October 17 - Work Session at ECE at 6:00 P.M. November 8 (Wednesday due to election) - Regular Meeting at ECE at 6:00 P.M. To participate in Public Comment at the November 8 Regular Meeting, please complete this form by noon on November 8. Updated Board Policies: See the Board Policies updated in September by clicking each link: AD , DJB* , DJB*-R , DKC , EEAEAA*-R , EEAFB* , EFEA* , GBEBA and IHAM . To view the redlined policies, go to the  9-5-23 BoE meeting agenda here .   Board of Education Election : Englewood Schools has two of five seats on its Board of Education available for the election on November 7, 2023.  For more information regarding our unopposed candidates: Check out the Candidate Info page of our website.  EHS Broadcast Journalism students interview the Englewood School Board candidates: Listen Now - Katie Wilberding Cross Listen Now - Davon Williams Good News Stories Navigator Program at EMS Starts Coffee Cart The EMS navigator program is specifically designed for students with significant support needs. Sean Skillern works hard to give his students immersive and rich real-world experiences. Through several classes each week, his students are taught a wide variety of independent living skills, such as job rotations, community outings, and kitchen safety.  This year, Mr. Skillern and his students accomplished an inspiring feat by starting a schoolwide coffee cart! This initiative is aimed at helping students practice budgeting and math skills, entrepreneurship, and job training. Teachers and staff have donated and contributed to the profits, which are then used to support field trips and community-based instruction. The students are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and are already serving coffee to 40-50 classrooms per week.   Fourth Graders Find Inspiration  Charles Hay World School's fourth-grade students are currently exploring the central idea that inspiration for expression comes from the world around us in their "Who We Are" Unit of Inquiry. While wearing bandanas for Spirit Week, they visited Lookout Mountain for poetry inspiration and Colorado geography lessons.   For additional good news stories shared throughout the month, click on the social media links below! Connect with us: October 5, 2023

    Thursday, Oct 05 2023

  • Englewood Schools - Monthly Family Newsletter - Sept...

    Monthly Family Newsletter |  September 2023            A Message from the Superintendent: Connection, Friendship and Belonging Dear Englewood Schools' Families, What an incredible start to the school year! Our teachers and staff welcomed your students with open arms back into the classroom. You may remember a teacher from your school days. A teacher who took the extra time to make sure you learned your math facts, maybe introduced you to Romeo and Juliet or made sure you had a friend to eat lunch with.  There is a human element to education and it is about connection. Connecting in the classroom over intriguing concepts like how gravitational force keeps planets revolving around the sun or segmenting words as our youngest students learn how to read or when a teacher greets you by name at the classroom door – it is an opportunity to connect and make a difference. Research shows the positive relationship between a teacher and student translates to strong academic growth and achievement. The academic success of our students was evident in our 2023 state assessment scores (please read more about this in the next section).  During my recent school visits, I noticed relationships developing between students. As the year progresses, classmates become friends. The uncertainty of “what will this year be like” seems to fade the more students get to know each other. The playground is aflutter with soccer games, basketball shootouts, and laughter as students swing. The lunchroom is now a time to connect and check in with each other. The friendships we develop in PK-12, many times, turn into friendships that last a lifetime. The friendships developing at our schools seem very strong.  As I continue my journey to connect with the Englewood Schools’ community, I am finding this is one of the most rewarding parts of my position. It was heartwarming to see so many families, teachers, staff, and community members at the Englewood Block Party. We were able to give students and families lanyards, bumper stickers, flashlights, and pencils that show they are proud to be a member of the Englewood Schools community. We had wonderful conversations in a casual environment that had me laughing as the grandfather of a Clayton student told “dad” jokes. I am thankful to the City of Englewood for organizing such a positive and community-centered event. The City of Englewood and Englewood Schools both believe we make each other stronger.  At Englewood Schools, we pride ourselves on creating strong relationships which naturally leads to students feeling a sense of belonging. When we have a sense of community and belonging, we show up for each other and care more deeply. In Englewood Schools, we truly care about your student, your family, and the community we create together.  In Partnership, Joanna Polzin Superintendent District News and Updates Englewood Schools Sees Tremendous Growth on School Performance Frameworks Englewood School District has some amazing celebrations regarding state test scores and Plan Types for many of our schools. Clayton Elementary, Bishop Elementary, and Englewood Leadership Academy continue to be rated “Performance” schools, which is the highest rating for a school by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Charles Hay World School made tremendous growth and moved from a lower rating to Performance in one year; we are incredibly proud of their achievement. In addition, Englewood Middle School has also increased its rating by two plan types to Improvement status, the second highest rating for a school by CDE. For the first time since 2013, there are no schools in Englewood on the accountability clock. This is due to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. The gains we have seen in our School Performance Frameworks are a direct result of Englewood Schools continuing to achieve and grow. The percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations in English language arts in grades 3-8 increased by 5%.  In mathematics, the percentage of students in grades 3-8 meeting or exceeding expectations increased by 2%.  At the secondary level, the freshmen and sophomores who took the PSAT continued to make remarkable gains.  In both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and mathematics, our students made double-digit mean score increases while the state’s scores actually decreased. Our 11th graders who took the SAT, increased the mean scale score in EBRW by 3 points while the state increased by 2 points.  Given this growth, a majority of our schools are now rated “Performance” by the Department of Education.  The state testing scores and improvement from previous years are evidence that Englewood Schools is focusing on the right work for the academic success of our students. While there is still room to grow, we are reminded that the journey of growth and learning is a continuous one. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students, teachers, and leaders, and we will continue to strive for even greater heights in educating our students. Englewood Athletics: Buy Your Pirate Spirit Gear Now We are excited to offer, for a limited time, the opportunity to order Pirate Spirit Gear .  Take a look at this link and place your order before the online store closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 17! PYS Competitive Basketball Represent Englewood against other youth basketball teams from around the Front Range by trying out! All games will be played in the Denver Metro area. Tryouts will take place on September 10th and/or 17th at the Englewood Campus located at 3800 S Logan St, Englewood, CO 80110. The tryouts are open to boys and girls in 2nd through 8th grade, but players must register beforehand. To register and find more information, please follow this link . Opportunity, Access and Inclusion Inclusive Excellence Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month starts September 15th and ends October 15th. While it is crucial to ensure we are honoring diverse identities all throughout the year, these four weeks are a way to bring this particular identity to the forefront of our minds and hearts.  Review the Religious & Cultural Observances Calendar   for additional September holidays. Here are some ways you can explore events and activities that uplift Latinx/Hispanic identity: Join the fun on Sunday, September 16th at Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival from 6-10 pm at Levitt Pavillion in Southwest Denver (free event)! Hecho en Westwood Collective has amazing cultural events year-round with the belief that “celebrations like these resist the erasure of our community by creating space where people can learn and practice our cultural traditions.” Museo de las Americas is a premiere art museum in Denver’s Santa Fe Art District and has celebrated our communities' artistic and cultural achievements for over three decades, from ancient to folk to contemporary art. This is a particularly great time of year to patronize Latinx-owned businesses in Englewood and the surrounding community, but don’t let the end of Heritage Month keep you from exploring all the diversity and beauty our community has to offer! Image Credit: Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong for Fine Acts x OBI In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque   Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Upcoming Events District Events Sept. 7 : EMS/ELA Back to School Night - 5 - 7 p.m. Sept. 22 : Englewood High School Homecoming - Tailgate 5 - 7 p.m. Game at 7 p.m. Oct 4 : Family Resource Center Open House: free nonperishable food, hygiene items, clothing and school supplies - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Community Events Sept. 7 :   Englewood Neighborhood Nights - Duncan Park Sept. 9: Free Day  Denver Art Museum and Friendship PowWow Sept. 16: Free Day: Littleton Symphony Orchestra: Music in Motion Sept. 18:   Free Day   at   Denver Museum of Nature and Science Sept. 22 : Free Day Four Mile Historic Park Board of Education Updates Board of Education to Move Forward with Debt-Free Schools Mill Levy Dear Englewood Schools Community Member,  On August 29, 2023, the Englewood Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to put a Mill on the November 2023 ballot for Englewood voters. The money from the Debt-Free Mill Levy will create a revenue stream to pay for new technology, existing technology upgrades, and maintenance needs. This will offset costs and free up general fund dollars so that we can invest in new salary schedules for school personnel like custodians, nutrition services, para-professionals, and bus drivers. Additionally, we can offer competitive salaries for teachers and invest in the programs that keep Englewood excellent! Ultimately, this revenue stream will allow staff in Englewood to continue to pave the path for student success.   The decision to put a measure on the ballot came after many months of discussion at Board meetings about our financial future. After analyzing our current finances and the options available to increase revenue without impacting homeowners, we determined the best course of action for our community is to decrease our overall General Obligation Bond Mill Levy by approximately 5 mills and increase the Debt-Free Schools Act mill by the same amount, resulting in no net change for overall residential property taxes.  Through the Debt-Free Schools Mill, we can invest in our students, staff, and teachers without raising costs for homeowners.           Linked  here is factual information on our website that tells more about this ballot measure.   Sincerely,  Joanna Polzin, B.S., M.Ed.  Superintendent   Board of Education Meetings: On Tuesday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held a Special Meeting. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online here . On Tuesday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online here or read the Board Briefs . Please note the full agendas of all board meetings will be posted in  BoardDocs the Friday before each meeting.  Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: September 19 - Work Session at ECE at 6:00 P.M. October 3 - Regular Meeting at ECE at 6:00 P.M. To participate in the Public Comment portion at the October 3 Regular Meeting, please complete this form by noon on October 3. Updated Board Policies: See the Board Policies updated in August by clicking each link: AC , GBEC, GBGB , JFBA , JFBB , JICA , JICDE , JICI , JLCDAC-E and JS* . To view the redlined policies, go to the  8-1-23 BoE meeting agenda here .   Board of Education Election : Englewood Schools has two of five seats on its Board of Education available for the election on November 7, 2023.  Meet the two certified candidates running unopposed here on the Candidate Info page of our website. Good News Story Englewood Leadership Academy Last spring, 6th-grade students in Mrs. White's Language Arts class at Englewood Leadership Academy researched an issue, wrote argumentative letters to real-life recipients, and received a response from the White House, addressed to one of the students.  We are proud of our students for using their voices as young leaders to make a difference!   For additional good news stories shared throughout the month, click on the social media links below! Connect with us: September 7, 2023

    Thursday, Sep 07 2023

  • Englewood Schools - Monthly Family Newsletter - Augu...

    Monthly Family Newsletter  |  August 2023             A Message from our Superintendent: Dear Englewood Schools’ Families, It is with immense pride that I welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year! Englewood Schools has a rich history that dates back to 1913. You are part of a tight-knit community and our staff truly cares for your students and makes a difference every day.  Thank you for choosing Englewood Schools and for trusting us to educate your student(s). Englewood is a special place that has a community feel like no other.  This will be my ninth year in Englewood and my first year as superintendent.  I am truly honored to be leading our incredible district alongside such a talented group of educators and staff members that make Englewood a place that feels like home.     This school year, we will continue living our mission of preparing all students for future success through learning, leading, engagement and action. This is what we do day in and day out – prepare your students for their futures. Our vision remains consistent, which is graduating the leaders, thinkers and explorers of tomorrow. In reflecting on our mission and vision, both speak to the future of your students. Yet, we must also focus on the present. The caring staff at our schools understand how day-to-day interactions and instruction profoundly impact every student. Therefore, we will strive to make a difference with your student(s) every day.   The Strategic Plan was completed in January of 2023 and students are at the heart of everything we do in Englewood. Student experience is the first pillar of our Strategic Plan. The Board of Education is committed to offering educational opportunities and programming designed to meet the needs and promote the academic, social and emotional growth of all students. The second pillar of our Strategic Plan focuses on our dedicated staff. Englewood Schools believes in empowering and entrusting each staff member to build and lead school communities that establish a culture of excellence and belonging, inside and outside of the classroom. I encourage you to review the  Strategic Plan   located on our  website  to read about the commitment the Board and Englewood Schools have to our students, families, staff, and community.  In the survey sent to families on July 3, many of you shared ideas on what is most important for me to focus on in the upcoming school year. Thank you for your insightful suggestions. Some of the themes included listening, being present, and asking families for their ideas since they know their children better than anyone. One parent shared, “Be sure you are present and in the community supporting our parents and students.” Another parent said, “Listening, observing what works and what doesn’t, keeping the community culture that we love about Englewood schools, be open to feedback.” I couldn’t agree more and am looking forward to connecting in meaningful ways.  As we transition into a new school year, I would like to extend my gratitude. I feel privileged to serve Englewood Schools. I look forward to engaging with the incredible students and families at each school. It is truly going to be a great year! Sincerely, Joanna Polzin Superintendent Englewood Schools District News and Updates New Look and Format for Newsletter: The Communications Office has revamped its Englewood Schools' communication. Beginning this month, the Family Monthly Newsletter will be a monthly communication sent on the first Thursday of the month. With the exception of urgent and time-sensitive information, all important District information for families will be included in this monthly communication. Back to School - School Calendars and First Day of School: We are so excited to welcome students back to school! Make sure you have the most updated district calendar by clicking here . The first day of school is August 11 for elementary, middle and high school students. The first day for preschool students is August 21 . Communications Update - Use ParentSquare to Keep in Touch Englewood Schools uses ParentSquare for district, school, class and teacher communications. We will also use ParentSquare to notify families about an emergency. Contact information for ParentSquare comes from the information you provide during online registration.  It can be changed by contacting your school's secretary. You can customize ParentSquare to meet your needs such as adjusting language settings or choosing the frequency of messages. To learn more, see ParentSquare . Nutrition Services Update - Healthy Meals for All Englewood Schools is excited to announce its participation in the Healthy School Meals for All program. This means all students enrolled at  Englewood Schools may receive one breakfast and one lunch per day at no cost starting this school year, 2023-2024. Just like in previous years, it's important for households to complete a Free and Reduced Application/Family Economic Data Survey Form using Infinite Campus . This will aid in boosting district funding from the federal government and perhaps qualify you for waived fees that you would otherwise have to pay. If you require a paper copy, kindly approach your school secretary or get in touch with Nicole at nicole_withee@engschools.net at the Nutrition Services Director. Visit englewoodeats.com for more information on Healthy School Meals for All. Annual Student Registration is Open! The Annual Online Registration (OLR) for the 23/24 School Year is now available. We highly recommend logging in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal Accoun t to register your student(s) and ensure a smooth start to their academic journey. In case you haven't created your parent portal or misplaced your login information, don't worry, our friendly team is ready to assist you. Please reach out to your student's school or call the District office at 303-806-2051 or email   kristine_kochevar@engschools.net . Transportation - Register Now 2023-2024 School Year bus registration is now open and available! For more information on buses and bus routes, please call transportation at 303-806-2030 or email kimberly_dehaven@engschools.net .   Students must be signed up annually for bus service and have a signed bus contract in order to ride the bus. Schools that receive bus services are Englewood Middle School, Englewood Leadership Academy, Englewood High School and Bishop Elementary. For more information on when and where to register for bus services, please click here .   For safety reasons, we do not publish student bus routes. SAC/DAC Kick-Off Join us at the School Accountability Committee (SAC) and District Accountability Committee (DAC) Kick-Off event on August 29, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bishop Elementary (3100 S. Elati St, Englewood). Meet your principal and district leaders and learn how you can advocate for students. Contact Tami Nickerson at tamara_nickerson@engschools.net for inquiries and confirm your attendance by completing this survey by August 22, 2023. Opportunity, Access and Inclusion Opport unity, Access and Inclusion - Inclusive Excellence I am overjoyed to be starting another school year with the incredible staff, students, and community in Englewood! A few of my priority areas this year are deepening the work of Student Voice, expanding my family and community engagement efforts, and offering more professional development opportunities for staff related to equitable practices for greater opportunity, access, and inclusion. You can check out resources and updates on the OAI webpage , and you are always welcome to email me. It is imperative that we each take responsibility for fostering a community of belonging. In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque  Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Upcoming Events District Events:           August 2:  Family Resource Center Open House: free nonperishable food and hygiene items only August 9:  Charles Hay World School Watermelon Welcome- 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm August 9:  Cherrelyn Elementary - Back to School Night - 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm August 10:  Englewood Middle School/ Englewood Leadership Academy Registration 7:30 am - 5:30 pm August 10:  Clayton Elementary: Popsicle Pop-In 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm August 10:  Bishop Elementary, Pop in for Popsicles - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm August 17:  ECE @ Maddox, Back to School Family Festival Open House - 4:00 - 6:00 pm August 24:  Englewood High School, Back to School Night - 5:30-7:00 pm August 30:  Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice, Back to School Night-  6:00 pm           Community Events: August 5:   Englewood KidStage & Movies in the Park August 8:   Free Day  Denver Art Museum August 10 :  Englewood Neighborhood Nights-Jason Park August 11:   Englewood's Silent Disco           August 15:   Free Day  Denver Botanic Gard ens August 16:   Free  Teen Night   at Englewood Recreation Center August 16:   Free Day  Denver Museum of Nature and Science August 24:   Englewood Neighborhood Nights-Baker Park Board of Education Updates Board of Education Meetings : On Tuesday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m., the Englewood Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting. The meeting was held in person at 3838 S. Huron Street, Englewood, and streamed online   here or  read the  Board Briefs . Upcoming Board of Education Meetings : August 15 -  Work Session at ECE at 6:00 P.M. August 29 - Special Meeting at ECE at 5:00 P.M. September 5 -  Regular Meeting at ECE at 6:00 P.M. To participate in the Public Comment portion at the September 5 Regular Meeting, please   complete this form   by noon on September 5. The full agendas of all board meetings will be posted in   BoardDocs   the Friday before each meeting. Board of Education Election : Englewood Schools will have two of five seats on its Board of Education available for the election on November 7, 2023. Those interested in becoming a candidate should plan to pick up a nomination packet on August 9, 2023 , from  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m . from Michelle Haider, Designated Election Official (DEO), at the Roscoe Davidson Administration Building, 4101 S. Bannock St. For additional information, visit the  Election page  on our district website. To be qualified to run for the Board of Education, a candidate must:   Be a registered voter in the school district for at least 12 consecutive months before the election (November 2023)  Not have been convicted of committing a sexual offense against a child Good News Story Swedish Hospital Makes Significant Impact In an inspiring display of compassion and community spirit, Swedish Hospital once again proved that acts of kindness can make a significant impact.  For the fifth consecutive year, the hospital organized its annual school supply donation drive for the students of Englewood Schools, and this time, they surpassed themselves by assembling an impressive 200 backpacks filled with essential school supplies.  With the help of the district family, school, community liaison, and six amazing custodial staff these backpacks were delivered to the Family Resource Center and will be ready to go for students in need of extra support for the 2023-2024 school year. Connect with us:   August 3, 2023

    Thursday, Aug 03 2023

  • Reminder: Online Registration is Open!

    Online Registration (OLR) for the 23/24 School Year is Open! If you haven't registered your students yet, we kindly invite you to log on to your  Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account  and complete registration for the upcoming school year. It's a simple and convenient process that ensures a smooth start for your child's academic journey. Username and Password In case you haven't set up your parent portal or have forgotten your username or password, don't worry! Our friendly team is here to assist you. Please reach out to Kris Kochevar at  kristine_kochevar@engschools.net  for any assistance you may need. Need Assistance? We understand that this process can sometimes be challenging. That's why we have scheduled three Drop-In Help Sessions at the Englewood Schools District Office located at 4101 South Bannock St, Englewood 80110. These sessions are designed to support you every step of the way. Whether you need access to a computer, Wi-Fi, or simply receive guidance, please feel free to drop by on one of the following days/times: Thursday, July 13th from 8:30-10:30 AM Thursday, July 20th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Tuesday, July 25th from 3:00-5:00 PM We look forward to providing you with the assistance you need in a friendly and welcoming environment!

    Monday, Jul 10 2023

  • Message from Our New Superintendent

    Dear Englewood Schools Community, I am deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as Superintendent of Englewood Schools. I am a passionate leader who believes in the power of a community to successfully work together to accomplish valued goals to continue to build an organization that is focused on students, families, and educators. I am dedicated to Englewood Schools; it is home for me. As I enthusiastically begin this role, I’d like to share a bit about myself. This will be my ninth year serving Englewood Schools and my 23rd year in education. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Marquette University, I worked for a large accounting firm in Milwaukee. Shortly after, I left Milwaukee for the mountains of Colorado and worked in Avon. Realizing that my passion was in education, I returned to school to earn my Masters of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Loyola Chicago. I also earned my credentials to teach in grades K-8. Upon returning to Colorado, I began my career as a 6th grade teacher. I went on to teach 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. I then moved into building administration where I spent six years as an assistant principal and principal in neighboring districts. Within Englewood Schools, I have served as the Director of Assessment and Analytics, the Chief Academic Officer, and Deputy Superintendent. I worked to create a unified direction by focusing on student learning and teacher instruction.  It is important to me that we operate as one school system and not individual schools.  Our schools exist to educate every student and as your superintendent, I will continue to focus on that mindset every day.  Throughout my time in Englewood Schools, my work has been deeply rooted in our core values of high expectations, accountability, integrity, respect, and community. Community – our students, families, teachers, staff, and our surrounding neighbors and friends – is what makes Englewood a special place. This was apparent when we built five new buildings. The community input was imperative to ensuring our schools balanced state-of-the-art learning environments with historical charm that reflects the longstanding traditions and values of our community. I will continue to dedicate my efforts to building strong relationships in our community by carrying on the tradition of engaging in open, honest, transparent, and frequent communication with all stakeholders. I believe that now, more than ever, is the time to advocate for students. Horace Mann, a 19 th  Century American Educator said, “Education, beyond all other devices of human origin is the great equalizer…the balance-wheel of the social machinery.” A quality education has the power to open doors for students. Educators can inspire students to believe in themselves and exceed expectations. The strength of our nation is built on the foundation of education and you have my commitment that I will focus on every student, every day.    I will continue to accelerate Englewood Schools forward by igniting the flame to move from the “comfort zone” to the “learning zone.” I will lead Englewood Schools as we work to ensure students are career and college ready when they graduate. Englewood Schools is widely known as a champion and advocate for excellence in education for all students; together, we can build the New Tradition of Excellence.    As the new Superintendent of Englewood Schools, I will fulfill the promise of building a stronger community and stronger schools in order to create big opportunities in a small setting for our students. On that note, I would like to hear from you and understand your experiences and expectations as we plan for and approach the coming school year. Please take a moment and complete  this survey  so I may have a better understanding of our shared priorities. My door is always open and I would encourage you to reach out to me if you ever have a question, concern, or want to share a positive experience you have had.  Thank you for placing your trust in me. I am looking forward to serving this incredible community. Sincerely, Joanna Polzin  Superintendent

    Monday, Jul 03 2023

  • Englewood Schools Update: January 12, 2023

    ENGLEWOOD SCHOOLS FAMILY & COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER: JANUARY 12, 2023 In this Issue: Goals and Intentions in the New Year Kindergarten Round Up - Ready to Welcome the Class of 2036! Choice Enrollment Starts in January Community Nights with the Denver Nuggets Upcoming Free and Low-Cost Events Good News Stories GOALS AND INTENTIONS IN THE NEW YEAR One of the core principles of inclusion is acknowledging and honoring the similarities and the differences that exist within a group of people. On the other side of that coin is being able to honor ourselves, as well. One of the most pervasive messages in the media during the month of January seems to be marketing around “getting in shape”–whether through dieting, working out, or other tactics. So, I want to also draw some attention to the concept of radical self love–what that means to each of us, and what it looks like for us to build internal spaces of belonging for ourselves. For some, radical self love includes working out and strengthening ourselves physically. For some, it might mean alleviating guilt when we eat something we love, or alleviating shame when our bodies grow and change. It is also an excellent opportunity to consider our body or ability based privileges (or lack thereof). Our bodies are our homes during our time on this planet, and they do incredible things for us. Our bodies come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities–and that diversity showcases the beauty of humanity. For young people, the book  Bodies Are Cool is a beautiful way to highlight the diversity and inherent value of every body. For adults, a deeply powerful book for me was  The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor (more resources on this, including a Ted Talk can be found at this website ). So, as we settle into 2023, I encourage us all to seize opportunities to promote self-love for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Cheers to a joyful, healthy, inclusive year ahead! Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access and Inclusion KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP - READY TO WELCOME THE CLASS OF 2036! Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for families. In Englewood, we have four amazing elementary schools that are ready to welcome you to our community! With average class sizes of 20 students, our caring and student-centered teachers create an environment that truly focuses on the whole child. Our smallest elementary school has 200 students and our largest houses 375 – the principals know every student’s name in Englewood! Your student will experience learning through a variety of educational methodologies, attend “specials” (physical education, art, STEAM, and music), as well as have access to free breakfast and lunch. Englewood Schools offers a small town feel with big opportunities as we welcome all students to a community in which they can thrive. Englewood Schools is ready to welcome you to our family! For more information,  please visit our website and attend our Kindergarten Round Up Open House ! Kindergarten Round Up Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. 3838 S. Huron St., Englewood, CO CHOICE ENROLLMENT STARTS JANUARY 9 Englewood Schools offers two rounds of Choice Enrollment for out-of-district families or families who live within Englewood but choose to attend a school other than their boundary school. Round 1: January 9, 2023 through February 7, 2023 Round 2: February 21, 2023 through August 31, 2023 Get to know our schools! Before registering in January, take the opportunity to get to know Englewood Schools. Some upcoming events include: Kindergarten Round Up : Tuesday, January 17 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. at 3838 S Huron St. High School and Middle School Showcase : Thursday, January 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 3800 S Logan St. Meet the staff and learn about what life is like at EMS, ELA and EHS. You can also contact a school directly to get a tour or more information. Check out our enrollment information website . Learn more about how staff in all of our schools make a difference by watching this video: COMMUNITY NIGHTS WITH THE DENVER NUGGETS Support Englewood Schools' students and enjoy a night of great basketball with Englewood Schools Community Nights with the Denver Nuggets! Purchase discounted tickets that will help support the mission of the Englewood Education Foundation to fund scholarships for students and above-and-beyond projects in our classrooms! (Also makes a great last-minute holiday gift!) Tickets start at just $12! -Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets on Sunday, January 15 at 6:00 p.m. -Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. Order tickets online here . More information here in English and here in Spanish . UPCOMING FREE AND LOW COST EVENTS District Events : Jan. 17: Kindergarten Round-Up, more information here . Jan. 26: Community Showcase at Englewood High School/Open House at Englewood Middle School. Community Events : Jan. 7 - 22: Denver Stock Show (Free grounds admission on January 10) Jan. 12: Shawl/Ribbon Skirt/Drumstick Making at Denver Indian Center Jan. 13: SCFD Free Day at Clyfford Still Museum. Information here . Jan. 22: SCFD Free Day at Denver Zoo. Information here (must register for the lottery.) GOOD NEWS STORIES Student Work Published in Westword Angelique Martinez, a freshman at Colorado's Finest High School of Choice, was tasked with writing a piece for her generational studies class that would appeal to an authentic audience. Angelique interviewed three Colorado women who come from different generations and backgrounds for the assignment, and got it published in Westword !  You can read her published article in Westword here . Congratulations, Angelique!       Follow Englewood Schools on Social Media Be a champion for Englewood Schools, and Like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter ! Get the latest school happenings right in your news feed, and help spread news about our schools and students.     

    Thursday, Jan 12 2023