Monthly Family Newsletter | October 1, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter October 1, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, The end of the first quarter is upon us, which means it is time for conferences. Partnering with your student’s teachers is important for academic achievement and growth. You will find that our teachers truly know your children, and they are invested in their growth as learners and as people. In my time in Englewood, I have noticed how deeply our parent community cares about their children’s education. Conferences are a time to foster two-way conversations with teachers to understand your child’s progress and ensure we are meeting your students’ needs. Conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14 (please check your school’s calendar for exact times). Fall is also a season of celebration across our district. From school festivals and athletic events to music and theater performances, these gatherings bring our community together and help build lasting friendships. If you are new to the Englewood Schools community, I encourage you to attend an event at your school, meet your student’s classmates, and build connections. If you are new to an athletic team or the performing arts, I encourage you to connect with the Booster Club, The Blue Behind the Crew, to make connections. Bringing students and families together through celebration helps build a stronger community by creating connection and friendship. Seeing the progress your student is making both academically at conferences and socially at festivals, athletic events, and performances makes autumn a special time of year. Graduating the leaders, thinkers, and explorers of tomorrow means ensuring our students are supported in every aspect of their education. Thank you for being part of the Englewood Schools’ community. In Partnership, Joanna District News and Department Updates Learning Services Family-Teacher Conferences: October 13 & 14 Mark your calendars! Our first Family–Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14. These conferences are a valuable opportunity for families, students, and teachers to connect, celebrate strengths, and set goals together. We believe that strong family partnerships are essential for student success, and these conversations are designed to support and empower every learner. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to support your child’s growth! Safety & Security October is Safe Schools Month! October is Safe Schools Month in Colorado, a time to recognize the people, practices and partnerships that help make our schools safe, positive and supportive places for every student to learn and grow. At Englewood Schools, school safety is about more than emergency preparedness. It also means creating welcoming school environments, building strong relationships, supporting students when they need help, preventing bullying and harassment, and making sure students know there are trusted adults they can turn to. Colorado’s Safe Schools Month guidance similarly emphasizes positive school climate, early intervention, student engagement and attendance as important parts of school safety. Throughout October, we’ll highlight some of the ways Englewood Schools works with students, staff, families and community partners to support safe schools—from preparedness and communication to student belonging and strong community partnerships. Safe Schools. Strong Connections. Successful Students. Because keeping schools safe takes all of us. PATHS (Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success) EHS & CFHSC Students Explore CU-Boulder On September 15, thirty-five students from EHS and CFHSC took a major step in planning their futures with a visit to the University of Colorado Boulder. The day was packed with an informative admissions presentation, an extensive campus tour, and a lunch break at the Center for Community (C4C). The visit resonated strongly with the group, with over half of the attending students reporting that CU-Boulder feels like a strong fit for their post-graduation goals and a campus they intend to explore further. A huge thank you to our organizer, Heidi Stone, and our chaperones, Shon Albritten, Sarah Davis, and Janelle St. Charles, for guiding our students and making this opportunity possible! Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders! 🩺✨ This September, healthcare specialists from HCA HealthOne Swedish visited Englewood High School junior seminar classes to share real-world insights into post-anesthesia nursing, respiratory therapy, and exciting student volunteer opportunities. Interested in medicine, healthcare, or laboratory research? The Swedish Junior Volunteer Program (ages 14+) is officially accepting applications! With orientations held monthly, it’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and explore future career paths. A huge thank you to Richard Grissom (Swedish Communications/Community Engagement Director) and Kirsten Kahn (Englewood Workforce Coordinator) for organizing such an impactful event for our students! 👉 Ready to get started? Ask your counselor or check out the Swedish Junior Volunteer application today! 🎓 Senior Families: Get FREE Help with FAFSA/CASFA Financial Aid! Are you planning for a 4-year college, a 2-year college, or trade school after graduation? Don't leave money on the table! Join us for our Financial Aid Completion Nights and get free, hands-on help completing your 2027–2028 FAFSA or CASFA application. Financial aid experts will be on-site to guide you step by step in securing funds for your student's future. Englewood High School (EHS) Date: Tuesday, October 13th Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: EHS Library Sign Up: EHS Time Slot Registration Colorado's Finest High School of Choice (CFHSC) Date: Wednesday, October 14th Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: CFHSC Mac Lab Sign Up: CFHSC Time Slot Registration 📋 What to Bring To make the most of your session, please bring the following items for both student and parent: Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or ITINs (if applicable) 2025 federal tax returns and W-2s (2027–2028 applications use prior-prior year tax data) Account login details: StudentAid.gov FSA ID (for FAFSA) or CASFA login credentials Reserve your time slot today and cross this major senior-year task off your list early! 💰✨ 🎓 Colorado FREE Application Days: October 20–22 Thinking about college? From Tuesday, October 20 through Thursday, October 22, 2026, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with several private institutions, will waive application fees. The opportunity is open to first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree. 💻 Learn more and find application instructions: Colorado FREE Application Days Community District & Community Events District Events: October 3: Englewood Education Foundation's Annual Fundraiser (6:00 PM) October 8: Clayton Coffee with the Principal (8:30 AM – 9:00 AM) October 8: Charles Hay Harvest Festival (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) October 9: No School – Teacher Workday (No classes for students) October 13–14: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Check directly with your student's school for specific schedules) October 23: Bishop Fall Festival (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM) October 23: Cherrelyn Fall Festival (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM) October 27: EMS Trick-or-Treat Street (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) Community Events: October 10: Denver Fire Station & City of Englewood Pancake Breakfast & Open House (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) October 10: City of Englewood: Art in All Its Forms October 11: Free Admission Day: Denver Museum of Nature & Science October 17: South Broadway Halloween Parade October 24: Englewood Trunk-or-Treat Express (Ticketed/paid event) October 24: Día de los Muertos Event at Civic Center 🎟️ Join Us for the 19th Annual Fall Fling Fundraiser! Mark your calendars! The Englewood Education Foundation warmly invites you to our 2026 Fall Fling Fundraiser on Saturday, October 3, at 6:00 PM at the Malley Recreation Center. Every dollar raised directly benefits our community by funding scholarships and supporting creativity grants for Englewood teachers. How You Can Participate & Help Attend the Event: Join us for an inspiring evening! Grab your tickets online today to save your spot. Donate an Auction Item: We are accepting items, gift cards, or unique experiences for our live and silent auctions. Please fill out our short online donation form. Drop-offs are accepted Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 4101 S. Bannock St., Englewood, CO 80110. All donors will be recognized on our website! Questions? Contact Foundation President Karen Miller at 303-638-7938 or email education_foundation@engschools.net. (The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and written acknowledgments will be provided for all tax-deductible donations). Thank you for your continued support of Englewood students and educators! ❤️ 📣 Calling All Future Pirate Cheerleaders! Join the EHS Cheerleaders for the 2026 Pirate Little Kids Cheerleading Camp! Students in grades K–8 are invited for an afternoon of Pirate spirit and fun! Campers will learn a dance, cheers, chants, jumps and stunts from EHS Cheerleaders, enjoy pizza for dinner, receive their own Pirate Cheerleader T-shirt and then head to the stadium to perform at halftime of an EHS home football game! 📣🏴‍☠️ 📅 Friday, October 9 ⏰ 3:45–6:30 p.m. 📍 TEC Cafeteria → EHS Stadium 💲 Cost: $60 👟 Wear: Black athletic bottoms and tennis shoes The football game begins at 7 p.m. Scan the QR code above to register or use this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LRaYCrL0BwauiOsBNgUR-_thLu78fWvT4SX31dNW5_M/edit?usp=sharing! Cheer on the Nuggets & Support Englewood Students! 🏀✨ Join us for Englewood School District Community Nights at Ball Arena! Enjoy special ticket pricing while supporting a great cause—a portion of every ticket purchased goes directly to the Englewood Education Foundation for student scholarships and Teacher Creativity Grants. Featured Matchups vs. Houston Rockets | Friday, Nov 20, 2026 @ 8:00 PM vs. Milwaukee Bucks | Saturday, Jan 23, 2027 @ 7:00 PM Get Your Tickets Seats are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis: 👉 Order Online: nuggets.ksetickets.com/englewood (or scan the QR code in the image!) Questions? Contact Alexa McMahon at 303-405-1196 or Alexa.McMahon@TeamKSE.com. Grab your gear, bring your family, and let’s pack Ball Arena for our schools! 🏀🎉 Good News Stories Exciting News: Cherrelyn is Growing a New Community Garden! We are thrilled to announce that Cherrelyn Elementary recently received two generous grants to build a brand-new school community garden! Funding from the Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation and the Whole Foods Market Foundation will allow us to prepare the grounds and purchase all the necessary materials to construct our new garden beds. This incredible outdoor space will bring learning to life for our students. The garden will offer unique opportunities for authentic, hands-on education, while promoting personal wellness and environmental stewardship. Most importantly, this project embodies our school motto, both literally and figuratively: “Together We Grow.” Stay tuned for upcoming details on how students, families, and staff can get involved in bringing our new garden to life! In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): Englewood Herald Story on EHS Booster Club ECE Touch-A-Truck Englewood's Youth Changemakers EMS Back to School Night Passing of the Pirate Spirit Englewood Herald Story HCA Healthcare at EHS Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence Every family brings a rich foundation of cultural traditions, practical skills, and lived experiences—what educators call "Funds of Knowledge." When we connect classroom experiences to what your child learns at home, their learning becomes more meaningful. Some examples of home wisdom in action include: Multilingualism: Speaking, reading, or telling stories in a heritage language builds advanced mental flexibility in our learners. Practicing a home language strengthens literacy, vocabulary, and reading comprehension across all subjects! If a family doesn’t already have a different home language, learning a language together can create great opportunities for families to connect and grow alongside each other. Practical STEM: Whether your child helps measure ingredients for family recipes, brings you the tool you need when you are gardening or fixing things around the house, or helps calculate grocery budgets, they are engaging in real-world mathematics and engineering. These everyday tasks build spatial reasoning, proportional thinking, and complex problem-solving. Oral History & Storytelling Traditions: In many Black, Indigenous, Latino, immigrant communities, and other communities, rich oral traditions pass down family histories, ancestral resilience, and community wisdom. When children listen to and retell these stories, they are actually analyzing plot structure, understanding character motives, and strengthening verbal reasoning. All of these skills improve their overall comprehension. I invite you to help bring your child's unique strengths into the classroom: Share Your Expertise: Talk with your child’s teacher about the home skills, hobbies, or languages your child practices so we can connect with their world. This can be a great conversation during conferences, too! Keep Talking & Doing: Continue involving your child in everyday family projects, household problem-solving, and rich discussions in your primary language. By honoring the wisdom already present in your homes, we ensure every Englewood scholar feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential. In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Meetings On October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and it was streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Work Session in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. On Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (due to the election), at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. To participate in public comment at this meeting, please complete this form by noon on the day of the meeting. Get Social With Us! facebook Instagram YouTube

Thursday, Oct 01 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter | September 3, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter September 3, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, When you finish a school year strong, the momentum continues into the next year. Our testing results from last spring showed a positive trajectory and some all-time highs. Every year, the Colorado Department of Education uses state testing results to rate schools. The District’s performance rating is Accredited with Improvement, earning 50.1 total points on the 2026 District Performance Framework, the highest in district history, while the districtwide CMAS Math mean scale score reached an all-time high of 731.5. Student growth remained above the state median in both subjects, with a median growth percentile of 55 in English language arts and 54 in mathematics. Englewood High School also reached a significant milestone, earning the highest rating, Performance, for the first time in school history. Charles Hay World School, Clayton Elementary, and Bishop Elementary were also rated Performance. Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice is rated on the Alternative Education Campus scale, and we anticipate they will also be rated Performance. Our ECE at Maddox continues to be rated a Level 5 by Colorado Shines, the state’s rating system for preschools, and has one of the highest point totals in the metro area. The goal is to be a Performance district with all Performance schools by 2028, as rated by the Colorado Department of Education. Currently, five of our seven schools are rated Performance. To learn and grow, students need to be in school. Last year, seven of our eight schools reported higher attendance rates than the previous year. The more students are in school, the better they perform academically. As the Superintendent, I am incredibly proud of the progress our students are making. The dedication of our teachers and their focus on instruction are creating a meaningful place for students to learn and grow. Thank you for believing in Englewood Schools, where big opportunities in a small, caring setting are just the beginning for your student. In Partnership, Joanna District News and Department Updates It's Game Time at Randy Penn Stadium! Get ready to show your Pirate Pride! The lights are on at Randy Penn Stadium, and your Englewood High School Pirates are ready for action. We invite the entire community to pack the stands, bring the energy, and cheer on our incredible student-athletes and band this season! ➡️ View the full Stadium Events schedule here and don't miss a single game! 🎟️ EHS Students: Your admission is FREE with a valid student ID! 📣 Future Pirates: Middle school students and younger are welcome to join the fun, but must be accompanied by an adult. Let's get loud, Englewood! We can't wait to see you there. Learning Services 📈 Englewood Schools Celebrates Strong Academic Growth We are excited to share strong results from the 2026 state assessments and celebrate the hard work of our students, staff and families. Englewood Schools earned 50.1 points on the 2026 District Performance Framework — the highest in district history. The district also reached an all-time high CMAS Math mean scale score of 731.5, while student growth remained above the state median in both English language arts and mathematics. These results continue a positive long-term trajectory for Englewood Schools. Our District Performance Framework score has grown from 37.0 in 2017–18 to 50.1 in 2025–26, a 13.1-point increase. Highlights across our schools include: ⭐ Englewood High School earned a Performance rating for the first time in school history. Students with Individualized Education Programs achieved especially strong growth in mathematics, with a median growth percentile of 74. ⭐ Charles Hay World School maintained a Performance rating and reached an all-time high CMAS English language arts mean scale score of 751.7. ⭐ Clayton Elementary reached an all-time high CMAS Math mean scale score of 734.9 and increased its School Performance Framework score by 15.3 points. ⭐ Bishop Elementary earned its third-highest School Performance Framework score on record and demonstrated strong growth in both English language arts and mathematics. ⭐ Cherrelyn Elementary increased its School Performance Framework score by nearly 10 points and achieved a mathematics median growth percentile of 61. ⭐ Englewood Middle School reached an all-time high CMAS Math mean scale score of 724.6 and increased its School Performance Framework score by 6.8 points. ⭐ Colorado’s Finest High School showed significant improvement in ninth-grade mathematics. CFHSC is an Alternative Education Campus; its final 2026 School Performance Framework is still being determined through the state’s AEC process. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students, educators, staff and families. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to help every student grow and succeed. 💙 Here Today. Growing Tomorrow. 💙 September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every day at school gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with caring adults and prepare for their futures. Even a few missed days can add up, making it harder to stay connected and keep up with learning Throughout September, follow Englewood Schools on social media for attendance tips, facts and student stories. If your family needs help with an attendance challenge, please contact your school. We are here to listen and find solutions together. PATHS (Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success) 🌙 Earn an Industry-Recognized Certification This Fall Our partners at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) are offering evening career certification programs this fall for high school students and adult learners. Participants can gain hands-on training and work toward industry-recognized credentials in: 🩺 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 💊 Pharmacy Technician Programs will begin September 8–9, and financial assistance is available. Space is limited, so interested participants should register by September 4. ➡️ Learn more and register at CCIC Evening Programming. 🎓 Seniors: Get Ready for FAFSA Is your senior planning to attend a four-year college, two-year college, technical school, or trade program after graduation? If they may apply for grants, scholarships, work-study, or student loans, now is a great time to prepare for the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1, and students and required parent contributors will each need their own Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to complete and sign the form. ✅ Get a head start: Visit StudentAid.gov today to create your FSA ID. Be sure to use a personal email address, not a school email, so students can continue accessing their account after graduation. 🎓 Colorado FREE Application Days: October 20–22 Thinking about college? From Tuesday, October 20 through Thursday, October 22, 2026, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with several private institutions, will waive application fees. The opportunity is open to first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree. 💻 Learn more and find application instructions: Colorado FREE Application Days Community District & Community Events District Events: September 3: Clayton Back to School & Wellness Night (4:00–6:00 PM) September 10: EMS Back to School Night (5:00–7:00 PM) September 10: Cherrelyn PTSO BBQ (5:30–7:00 PM) September 16: Passing of the Pirate Spirit (Kindies at Homecoming) (5:15–5:45 PM) September 17: ECE Touch-a-Truck (4:00–5:30 PM) September 18: EHS Homecoming Football Game (7:00–9:00 PM) October 1–2: District-Wide Elementary Field Day (All Day) October 3: Englewood Education Foundation Fundraiser (6:00–9:00 PM) Community Events: September 4: Englewood First Friday- Silent Disco September 5: Englewood Kidstage and Movie in the Park (Duncan Park-Movie: Dumb and Dumber) September 12: Free Day: Denver Art Museum Annual Friendship Powwow September 13: Free Family Film Series Historic Elitch Theater: COCO September 19: Free Day: Clyfford Still Museum-15th Anniversary Community Celebration September 20: Free Day: Wings over the Rockies September 25: Free Night Joy Park @ Children’s Museum Kindergartners and Their Families - Join Us! Join Us for the Annual Pirate Spirit Handoff! This is an unforgettable night of community spirit as we welcome our Class of 2039 to the Englewood High School family during Homecoming week! All Englewood Kindergartners with their families are invited to take the field before the annual Powderpuff football game for a spirit handoff! WHEN: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 5:15 PM: Arrival & Line Up WHERE: Englewood High School Football Field Be a part of the tradition and celebrate the journey of an Englewood student! Bring the whole family to cheer them on and stay for the exciting Powderpuff game. For additional information, please see this flyer. (Spanish). Don't Miss the "Schools of Englewood" Exhibit! Englewood Schools staff and families are invited to celebrate local education history at the new "Schools of Englewood" exhibit presented by the Historic Englewood Museum! Come explore the rich history of our local schools as we "celebrate the past and inspire the future". Event Details: Date: Saturdays through January Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Historic Englewood Museum, 1000 Englewood Parkway (2nd Floor) Cost: Free We hope to see you there to support our local historical society and honor Englewood's educational legacy! 🎉 Save the Date: Englewood Education Foundation Fundraiser! Join the Englewood Education Foundation for a fun evening supporting Englewood students and staff! Enjoy a catered dinner from Colore, live and silent auctions, live music by our own Deputy Superintendent, Ryan Cowell, and a fun evening with community members—all while supporting Englewood students and teachers. 📅 Saturday, October 3 ⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Malley Center 🎟️ Tickets: Staff: $40/ Non-Staff: $60 It’s a great opportunity to spend time with staff and the community, enjoy a night out, and support programs that directly benefit our Englewood Schools. 💙 Mark your calendar and join us on October 3! Good News Stories Congratulations to the EHS Media Students! The PirateTV broadcast class has earned a 2026 All-Colorado award, recognizing their outstanding work throughout the school year. This award is based on a critique of the program’s overall coverage, content, style and editing skills, with the goal of helping student broadcasters reach the level of a professional news organization. In the judge’s narrative comments on presentation, the PirateTV staff received high praise: “I am very impressed with these videos and broadcasts. They are very professional and appear to be just like my local news broadcasts. The anchors' reporting is strong and informative, getting all angles of the story. I like how the interviews are presented with various sources, as well as different cuts to items being reported in the news story. You all did an excellent job in presenting the news. I also really liked how the reporters went outside the school for interviews; for example, the interview with the police officer was done very well.” Students will accept their award during the statewide JDay event at CSU in Fort Collins on October 28, 2026. Highlighting Senior Success & Postsecondary Guidance on the News 🎥 ! Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but our seniors are in great hands! Our Postsecondary Advisor, Heidi Stone, is currently working hands-on with 25 seniors as they navigate and complete the Common Application. From guiding students through scholarship opportunities to organizing campus visits, Heidi’s personalized support helps make the postsecondary path feel both manageable and attainable. We were thrilled to see Heidi and our incredible students featured on Denver7 News last month! 🎥 Watch the Denver7 News feature here. In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): New Teacher Orientation School Supply Giveaway TEC Registration Day All Staff District Kickoff First Day of School Englewood Herald Story ECE Back to School Bishop Wish for Wheels Englewood Herald Story SAC/DAC Kickoff CFHSC Back to School Friday Night Lights Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence “Do you understand that your quality of life and your survival are tied to how authentic and generous the connections are between you and the people and place you live with and in?” This is what adrienne maree brown [sic] asks in Emergent Strategy. Do we? If so, what does that understanding look and feel like for each of us? The small size of our community is one of our superpowers. When we have such close proximity to each other, it is hard not to see our interconnectedness. It’s clear to me when I spend time in schools and with our families/caregivers at after-school events. From the joyful laughter at our back-to-school nights, to the number of staff who are former students, to the intentionality of every PATHS lesson, to the chants and cheers at football games– every day, you demonstrate the beauty of belonging to the Englewood community. Over the past decade, data from federal agencies and educational research highlight a stark reality: incidents of targeted bias, harassment, and hate crimes have increased dramatically. But we can actively prevent and address these issues in our community, starting at the beginning of the school year. We are all entitled to our beliefs. When those beliefs spill over into discriminatory behavior (whether that is verbal, non-verbal, or physical), that causes deep harm to children and to our broader community. It also violates school, district, state, and/or federal policies. Our connection to one another can help us resist the forces of dehumanization. If you ever witness or experience bias, here is a handout with “Talk Moves” to help you respond in those situations. This school year, let’s come together to ensure that every child, every family, and every educator feels a sense of belonging here. In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Meetings On September 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and it was streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Work Session in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. On October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. To participate in public comment at this meeting, please complete this form by noon on the day of the meeting. Get Social With Us! facebook Instagram YouTube

Thursday, Sep 03 2026

To The Point - August 6, 2026

To The Point Monthly Staff Newsletter | August 6, 2026 | Back to School Edition Welcome Back from the Superintendent! Dear Team, We are excited to welcome you back to school! Whether you are a returning staff member or a new ECE Bumblebee, Bishop Bear, Clayton Tiger, Cherrelyn Cheetah, Charles Hay Cougar, Englewood Middle School Pirate, Englewood High School Pirate, serving at Colorado's Finest High School of Choice, or RDAB/Duell, Englewood Schools is a place that feels like home. Your school leaders gathered this summer for their annual Retreat. We focused on our two Big Rocks: Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS) and Vision of Instruction. Our PATHS big rock hones in on social-emotional learning and well-being layered in with educating our students on a variety of careers for after high school or college. Our Vision of Instruction states, "In Englewood Schools, every instructional decision is grounded in cognitive science. Through the use of Explicit Instruction, we ensure new knowledge is not just encountered but acquired and retained. Every day, in every classroom, students experience Clarity, Confidence, and Mastery of Learning." Together, we can ensure our schools attain or maintain the highest rating of Performance by the Colorado Department of Education, which means we will continue to improve our practices in service of our students. While our instructional team has been hard at work planning for our Big Rocks this summer, our Operations & Maintenance team, made up of our incredible Custodians, has the learning environments prepared and ready to welcome you and your students. Our Nutrition Services team is excited to launch fantastic new menu items this year to keep our students focused on learning. Our Transportation team is looking forward to safely picking up and dropping off students on the first day of school. We welcomed forty-five new staff members on Monday; they connected and learned what makes Englewood special. Additionally, we are welcoming two new principals to our team. Mr. Brandon Masters, from Texas and a Spurs fan, is the principal at EMS. Dr. Darik Williams, who recently returned from leading an international school in Brazil, is the principal at Charles Hay. I am proud to say the majority of our staff is returning this year. You will see familiar faces all around Englewood Schools, including Mrs. Fletcher at Cherrelyn and Mr. Silva at Englewood High School. In Englewood Schools, we dedicate ourselves to our mission of preparing all students for future success through learning, leading, engagement, and action. We are here to make our students' educational journey extraordinary by offering big opportunities in a small, caring setting. Let's have a great 2026-27 school year - together! In Partnership, Joanna Key Dates for Teachers Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year! Please visit the Welcome Back webpage for important information regarding start and end times. Key Dates for Teachers: August 7: First day to report for certified staff (Teacher Work Day) August 8: Professional Learning Day at Sites August 10: Full Site PD or half-and-half workday/site day (depending on building principal) August 11: District Kickoff and Job Alike August 12: Teacher Work Day August 13: First Day for Students District News and Department Updates Testing of Emergency Communications System We will test our emergency communication system via ParentSquare on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. This will include text, voicemail and email messages. Communications Stay Connected with ParentSquare Englewood Schools uses ParentSquare as our primary platform for all district, school and teacher communication with families. It also supports newsletters, digital permission slips, item requests, conference scheduling, and more. Best of all, messages are automatically translated into each family's preferred language. Getting Started is Easy: Activate your account by logging in with your Englewood Schools Google account or scanning the QR code above. Training options include self-paced video modules and live webinars. Helpful Resources: Principals: Blog on building strong connections and Admin Resources Teachers: Getting Started - ParentSquare Resources for Teachers and 10 Ways to Use ParentSquare for Teachers Let’s make this school year our most connected yet! For questions or training, please reach out to Michelle Haider. Social Media Guidelines Social Media Guidelines and Training As we begin a new school year, it is important to review expectations regarding staff use of social media. Please click this link to access the District's Social Media Guidelines. If you are interested in creating an Englewood Schools-affiliated account and have received administrative approval, or if you are seeking general support and guidance on managing your personal account, please take a moment to review this Social Media Training presentation before the beginning of the school year. Human Resources Employee Discounts Through "Tickets at Work" Make the most of August with exclusive savings through Tickets at Work! Learn more and sign up today by clicking this link! Learning Services Building Better Schools Together, All Families Invited! Please help us spread the word to our school community! We are hosting our Accountability Committee Kick-off, where insights, innovation, and strategic decisions will shape the future of our District. Event Details: 📅 Date: Tuesday, August 25 ⏰ Time: Dinner served at 5:00 PM 📍 Location: EHS Library 🎈 Extras: Child care will be provided! Action Item for Staff: Please encourage your students' families to attend and participate! They can register using this 🔗 RSVP Link. Thank you for your support in strengthening our District's partnership with families! Mile High United Way and Englewood Schools Partnership Englewood Middle School is excited to partner with Mile High United Way to launch a new Community School strategy. This initiative will create a school-based hub for families to access essential resources, build community connections, and find support. Mile High United Way is currently gathering input on our community's needs to help tailor future programs. In the meantime, if you need support, please email Clarice at the Family Resource Center or dial 2-1-1 to connect with a resource navigator at Mile High United Way. You can also visit 211Colorado.org for assistance. We look forward to building a stronger, more connected community together. We will share more updates in the coming months. Safety & Security Staff & Student Safety: Our Top Priority At Englewood Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Every day we work to create and maintain secure, supportive learning environments where students can focus on growing and learning. One of the cornerstones of our approach is the district-wide use of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a nationally recognized system developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. The protocol is action-based, flexible, and easy for students and staff to understand and remember. It is used by the majority of school districts across Colorado and many others nationwide. You will receive training at the beginning of the year in SRP. Clear, consistent posters explaining each response action are posted in every classroom and learning space so that everyone in our buildings knows exactly what to do when an emergency arises. We also practice these protocols through drills throughout the year so that responses become second nature. Beyond the SRP, our Safety and Security team works continuously to strengthen protection and preparedness across the district. This includes ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement, development and refinement of emergency operations plans, threat assessment processes, staff training in crisis response and school safety practices, and the use of reliable communication systems so that staff can quickly share information if there is an incident. We also review and update policies, invest in physical security measures, and work with families and community partners to support a culture of safety. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Standard Response Protocol. Please visit our Safety & Security webpage for additional information. Use this link to view the August 2026 School Safety Newsletter. Thank you for helping us make Englewood Schools a safe and supportive place for every student and staff member. Englewood Schools Safety and Security Mark Edson - Director of Safety and Security 303-806-2339 Mark_Edson@engschools.net Transportation 🚌 Back-to-School Bus Safety - Reminders to Share With Parents As the new school year begins, please help keep our students safe by following these important school bus safety guidelines: Know the Bus Signals: Flashing Yellow Lights mean the bus is preparing to stop—slow down and be ready to stop. Flashing Red Lights and Extended Stop Arm mean the bus has stopped to load or unload children. All drivers must stop, regardless of which direction they’re traveling. Remain stopped until the red lights turn off, the stop arm goes in, and the bus moves again. Key Reminders: Always watch for children crossing the road near a stopped bus. On two-lane roads or four-lane roads without a median, traffic in both directions must stop. Why It Matters: Safety first—children may be crossing unpredictably. It’s the law—ignoring bus signals can lead to serious legal consequences. Thank you for keeping our students safe on their journey to and from school! Community 🏫 Englewood Schools Free School Supply Giveaway! Englewood Schools is proud to host a Free School Supply Giveaway for our students and families who need extra support. Here are the details for this event: 📅 DATE: Friday, August 7th ⏰ TIME: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 📍 LOCATION: Englewood Schools Family Resource Center at 300 W. Chenango Ave Do You Have Questions? For more information, please contact Clarice Fortunato at: 📞 303-806-6916 or email clarice_fortunato@engschools.net "Schools of Englewood" New Exhibit Grand Opening Englewood Schools staff and families are invited to celebrate local education history at the grand opening of the new "Schools of Englewood" exhibit presented by the Historic Englewood Museum! Come explore the rich history of our local schools as we "celebrate the past and inspire the future". Event Details: Date: Saturday, August 8th Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Historic Englewood Museum, 1000 Englewood Parkway (2nd Floor) We hope to see you there to support our local historical society and honor Englewood's educational legacy! City Street Maintenance Around Bishop Elementary. The City of Englewood will perform mill-and-overlay work on several streets near the school, including Elati, Cherokee, Fox, and Eastman. It will also complete work on Dartmouth, north of the school, later in August. The City is working to finish residential road work before the school year starts on August 13. Elati will be completed first, followed by Fox, Cherokee, and Eastman. These streets are being prioritized in early August to minimize disruption for the school, parents, and students during drop-off and pick-up. Please be patient and especially vigilant when crossing students so we can keep all students safe as we begin another great year. To learn more, click on this link. To view the maps of the City of Englewood 2026 Mill & Overlay Project, click on this link. Kindergartners and Their Families - Join Us! Join Us for the Annual Pirate Spirit Handoff! This is an unforgettable night of community spirit as we welcome our Class of 2039 to the Englewood High School family during Homecoming week! All Englewood Kindergartners with their families are invited to take the field before the annual Powderpuff football game for a spirit handoff! WHEN: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 5:15 PM: Arrival & Line Up WHERE: Englewood High School Football Field Be a part of the tradition and celebrate the journey of an Englewood student! Bring the whole family to cheer them on and stay for the exciting Powderpuff game. Let's show our Future Pirates what our community is all about! Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence As we step into a new school year filled with fresh potential, we draw inspiration from the giant shoulders upon which we stand—the courageous educators, advocates, and civil rights pioneers who broke down barriers to ensure that education is a fundamental right for all. By anchoring in our historical successes—from the first public school that opened in our country back in 1635 in Boston, to the landmark promise of Brown v. Board of Education, to the creation of inclusive spaces through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and so many more historical milestones—we remind ourselves that progress is built through intentional, daily commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive spaces for every child. This year, let’s carry that legacy forward by leveraging equitable practices that honor and amplify the rich cultural capital each student brings to our Englewood Schools community. Together, we’ll continue constructing a more equitable future where every single Englewood scholar receives the tailored support, high expectations, and deep sense of belonging they deserve in order to thrive. If this work speaks to you and you want to engage more deeply, consider joining the Inclusive Practices Collective (IPC). I facilitate this monthly learning lab for staff to connect, learn, and take action to drive equitable change so that every person in our district feels seen, celebrated, and supported. We will anchor in the mechanics of social change and the rich history of social justice work in the US in order to better tackle current challenges to equity and belonging in Englewood Schools. The nature of our work is to build our knowledge and shape our actions over time, so ongoing participation is ideal, but please don’t let that stop you from dropping in whenever your schedule allows. All roles and levels of experience are welcome– RSVP here! In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Meetings On August 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and was streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Work Session in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. On September 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will also be streamed online here. To participate in public comment at this meeting, please complete this form by noon the day of the meeting. Get Social With Us! facebook Instagram YouTube

Thursday, Aug 06 2026

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year! Dear Englewood Schools Community, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-27 school year. There is a strong sense of community in the first few weeks of school. Whether it is your student’s senior year or they are just beginning their educational journey, our community is truly the foundation of Englewood Schools. The District and schools’ websites have been updated to reflect the 2026-27 school year. On the websites, you will find everything from bell schedules to breakfast/lunch information to supply lists. Learn more by clicking the button below. Key Information for 2026-2027 I would like to share some important dates and events with you. You can find our District Events Calendar on our website by clicking the button below. This calendar includes links to events at individual schools, so you can see what's happening across the district. Each event is marked with the mascot representing the school, and you can use the filter icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Events Calendar to narrow down your search. Thursday, August 13, 2026: First Day of School (all schools, grades K-12) Wednesday, August 19, 2026: First Day of School for ECE at Maddox 2026-2027 District Calendars As we kick off the new school year, we will continue to offer a high-quality academic experience for all our students. Unique to Englewood Schools, we will continue to offer STEAM in grades PK-12, specials in all our elementary schools, and a variety of electives in our secondary schools, including performance-based electives like band and theater. The Englewood Schools Board of Education is prioritizing students and staff through fiscal responsibility, having passed a balanced budget, while increasing staff salaries by 3.5%. Additionally, they passed a resolution to refinance our bonds, which will result in taxpayers' savings (our Moody’s bond rating was upgraded due to the renewed focus on fiscal responsibility). This fall, every Englewood resident will receive a first-ever Tax Impact update through the mail. The heart of our schools is our students and teachers. I have visited with families over the summer, and many students are ready for the year to begin. Our teachers, paraeducators, transportation team, nutrition services team, the operations and maintenance crews, administrators, and District office staff have been working extremely hard to plan for a successful 2026-27 school year. We are excited to welcome back your students. We are grateful for a strong Englewood Schools community that continues to put students at the forefront of decisions. We are proud to offer our students big opportunities in a small, caring setting. Welcome to the 2026-27 school year. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin Superintendent

Thursday, Jul 30 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - June 4, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter June 4, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, While June is a time to reflect on a successful school year, it is also time for the Board of Education to review, discuss, and pass the District’s budget as required by Colorado State Statute. Budget creation began months ago, with the District Accountability Committee (DAC) gathering feedback from the individual School Accountability Committees and then making budget prioritization recommendations to the Board. This year, the DAC’s top three recommendations to the Board included: The prioritization of teacher and staff retention by offering competitive salaries and benefits, Increasing mental and behavioral health for overall student well-being, and Maintaining and expanding enrichment activities and sports for all students. In response, we were able to: I am proud to report that Englewood Schools, once again, has a balanced budget. We were able to give a 3.5% increase to our staff members and cover the increase in healthcare benefits for all employee groups. We recently wrote for and received the School Health Professional Grant, which will add 3 additional counselors (social workers or psychologists) to the Englewood Schools team at no additional cost to the District. We will also continue to prioritize Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success, or PATHS, which proactively focuses on students' social-emotional health and supports them in exploring careers after high school. Activities at Englewood High School, under the direction of Athletic Director Thomas Rode, are expanding with the addition of Unified Bowling, which is a CHSAA-sanctioned sport. Over the past few years, EHS has added girls' golf, girls' wrestling, and boys' volleyball. Our Chief Financial Officer, Hyesun Son, has been instrumental in ensuring Englewood Schools is fiscally sound. Putting forth a balanced budget and following through on the DAC’s recommendations to the Board takes time and careful consideration. You may be wondering what the trade-offs are because when something is added, another area needs to be reduced. One change is that we are doing our best to no longer run classes/courses with fewer than 15 students. You may see combination classes or courses run every other year rather than yearly. Our principals were instrumental in working with Hyesun to ensure we were being excellent stewards of our hard-working taxpayers' money. Continuing to offer big opportunities in a small, caring setting that prioritizes our students, families, and staff members is central to our vision of graduating the leaders, thinkers, and explorers of tomorrow. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates Welcome Our New Charles Hay Principal: Dr. Darik Williams Englewood Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Darik Williams as the new principal of Charles Hay World School. Dr. Williams brings extensive experience as an elementary school leader in Colorado and international settings, with a strong background in IB, inquiry-based learning, multilingual school communities, specialized programming and student-centered school improvement. His experience aligns closely with the values of Charles Hay and Englewood Schools, including strong instruction, meaningful collaboration, data-informed decision making and a deep commitment to students and families. Throughout the interview process, Dr. Williams stood out as a warm, thoughtful and highly skilled leader. He believes in listening, building trust with staff and families and creating school environments where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to grow. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Williams to Charles Hay World School and to the Englewood Schools community. Please join us in congratulating him on this new role. Watch Dr. Williams' Message Here Celebrations 🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉 We’re proud to celebrate our class of 2026 graduates from Englewood High School and Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice. These remarkable students have achieved so much and are stepping into the future with big dreams and bold plans. Their hard work, resilience, and dedication deserve a round of applause! Here’s to all they’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead! Career and College Readiness Class of 2027: Common Application Bootcamp! 🎓 Rising Seniors (Class of 2027) — get ahead BEFORE senior year gets hectic! 🚀 Join our Common Application Bootcamp on August 4 to streamline your setup, add your colleges, and create an application plan before the fall whirlwind. 🙌 Sign up today using this form! This bootcamp is HIGHLY recommended for students applying to multiple 4-year colleges — including in-state schools like CU Boulder, CSU, and DU, as well as 1,000+ colleges nationwide that use the Common App! 📍 Where: Englewood High School Library 📅 When: Tuesday, August 4 🕘 Part I: 9:00–11:30 AM 🥪 Lunch Provided: 11:30 AM–12:00 PM 🕛 Part II: 12:00–2:30 PM ✅ Create your Common App account ✅ Add colleges & organize deadlines ✅ Start application questions & planning ✅ Reduce stress before senior year starts Don't wait until applications pile up — start senior year confident, organized, and ahead of schedule! 💻✨ June Opportunity for Class of 2027: FREE College Essay Guy Personal Statement Workshop Don't miss out on a FREE opportunity to receive live, expert assistance with the personal statement essay -- a requirement for Common App AND most local, state, and national scholarships. Multiple June dates available: Click here for summer workshops. Please note that times need to be adjusted for MST. View the flyer for more information here. Click this Zoom link for ALL sessions. Reach out to Heidi Stone, Englewood Postsecondary Advisor, with any questions! Nutrition Services Nutrition Services Summer Updates Are you ready for summer? Eligible families may receive an extra $120 per student for summer groceries. Students who qualify for free school meals are automatically eligible. If you are unsure, complete the Educational Benefits application in Infinite Campus. If approved, you will receive an EBT card with funds loaded, or the funds will be added to your existing SNAP card. Learn more at the CDHS website. Englewood Schools Nutrition Services will also offer free summer lunches at two locations: Englewood Library by the fountains in June and July, and Belleview Park at Pavilion 1 in July. Online Registration ☀️ Quick Reminder: Complete Online Registration! Summer is for relaxing, but don't forget to check online registration (OLR) off your to-do list! If you haven't registered your student for the upcoming school year yet, please take a few moments to complete it today. It only takes three easy steps: Log in to Infinite Campus. Create your account (one guardian account per student). Submit updated residency documents if your student is changing to a new Englewood school. 📞 Need a hand? If you need assistance, email registration@engschools.net, call Kris Kochevar at 303-806-2051, or contact your student's school directly. In addition, please see the OLR Registration and Enrollment Open House Help Sessions: Wednesday, July 22, 29 and August 5 from 2-6:00 PM at the EHS Library. (A Spanish Interpreter will be available for assistance.) Student Services Celebrating - We're a Gold Level Colorado Asthma-Friendly District! We’re proud to announce that ALL 8 Englewood Schools have been recognized as Gold Level Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools! This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting students with asthma through evidence-based practices, comprehensive care coordination, and a healthy school environment. This recognition celebrates our comprehensive approach to supporting students with asthma—from emergency protocols and staff training to creating healthier environments and coordinating care with families and healthcare providers. Asthma affects about 70,000 school-age children in Colorado and is a leading cause of school absences. As a Colorado Asthma-Friendly School, we're committed to ensuring every student with asthma can attend regularly, participate fully, and achieve their potential. Thank you to our district nurses, Mandy Lopez and Brittany Blaylock, for leading this initiative and to our entire school community for your partnership in creating a healthy, supportive environment for all students! Good News Stories In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): EHS Percussion Takes 1st Place EMS Spanish Night CFHSC Rose Ceremony Celebrate Englewood EHS Awards Ceremony Rotary Scholarships 6th Grade Trout Release CDE Bright Spot: Clarice Fortunato I.C. Cup Champion Gold Level Colorado Asthma-Friendly District Retiree Reception TEC Art Show Officer Gifford - Officer of the Year Cherrelyn Wish for Wheels Community 🏫 Englewood Schools Family Resource Center (FRC) 📍 Location: Inside Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice (300 W. Chenango Ave.)—Entrance is on the west side, facing Delaware St. 👋 Open House Days (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Wednesday, June 3 No open house in July Wednesday, August 5 (Note: Monthly Open Houses resume on the first Wednesday of the month, starting August 5). 📅 By Appointment: Email Clarice Fortunato. Learn more about Englewood Summer Resources. Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence - June is Associated with Celebration for Many On June 19th, Juneteenth, a federal holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. While President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation technically freed enslaved people on January 1, 1863, it took over two and a half years for the news to reach the westernmost Confederate state of Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and read the order stating all enslaved people in Texas were completely free. June is also Pride Month, an annual observance dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating queer culture, and supporting equal rights. It is designed to be a joyful celebration of identity and the continuation of the quest for equality, honoring the community's history (particularly commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City) and remembering those lost to hate crimes, HIV/AIDS, and the impacts of systemic oppression. And, on a more proximate level, June is a time to celebrate all the hard work your child (and you!) have put in throughout the school year, as well as the great things to come in their educational journeys. In preparation for the opportunities awaiting your child, consider ways to keep their minds active so they experience brain gain rather than a summer slide. Research shows that children can lose 20% to 30% of their school-year gains in reading and math during summer break. This summer slide happens because students lose daily access to practice. But just 15 minutes a day of fun, flexible-thinking activities are all it takes to keep your child's brain sharp. Summer learning should be easy, affordable, and engaging for every family. One of the best free resources available is the Englewood Public Library, offering a fun summer reading challenge, books, graphic novels, audiobooks, and stories in multiple languages. You can also turn everyday routines into learning games. For example, have your child help you practice math fractions by doubling a cooking recipe, or build their problem-solving skills by estimating the total bill at the grocery store. By weaving these quick, zero-cost activities into your summer plans, you are giving your child a massive head start for the upcoming school year. In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On June 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On June 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Special Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. No July Board Meetings On August 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, Jun 04 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - May 7, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter May 7, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, A strong connection makes a difference. Recently, Englewood Schools hosted the monthly Englewood Chamber of Commerce coffee, where local business owners come together to connect. Over 30 professionals from around the City attended. Several members of the Chamber have students who attend Englewood Schools. It was a true moment of pride for me as parents shared how our schools and staff are providing a high-quality educational experience with unmatched opportunities compared to neighboring districts. They spoke of how their students can play sports, participate in band, and see their future through our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programming. Students don’t have to choose one opportunity; they can balance a variety of classes, activities, and sports. Our students benefit from a smaller district. The connection between our teachers and our students also makes a difference. Last month, I asked you to share photos of your student with a teacher who has had a profound impact on them. Many of you shared incredibly heartwarming memories. Here, you can watch the video Michelle Haider, our Communications & Policy Coordinator, created. This video is a testament to the difference our teachers make every day. As we celebrate Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, your gratitude for our staff goes a long way. I hope you find connection this month; May is a special time of the school year. It is filled with graduations, end-of-year celebrations, and the excitement of transitioning to a new grade level or school. It is a time to solidify the connections we have made throughout the year. We are honored that you have chosen Englewood Schools for your child’s educational journey. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin Watch Teacher Video Here District News and Department Updates Learning Services Celebrating Success and Strengthening Our Strategy 262 staff participated in this year’s TLCC (Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado) survey. We’re encouraged to see that our commitment to Big Rock 1: PATHS (Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success) is making a difference. In the 2026 TLCC survey, Student Behavior favorability rose to 84%, up 4 points from the previous survey. This growth reflects our shift from reactive discipline to building habits of success through purposeful, proactive adult actions. In addition, 95% of staff report feeling respected by students, and 94% say the school is a safe place to work and learn—conditions that support the Self-Awareness component of PATHS and help foster positive behavior. Our instructional environment is equally strong, with Supportive Instructional Conditions at 89% favorability, up 4 points. Teachers report having the autonomy (83%) and resources (87%) needed to implement high-level instructional strategies. This reflects the success of Big Rock 2: Instructional Core and our focus on evidence-based instruction. Additionally, 97% of teachers report using formative assessment data to improve student learning, helping ensure instruction is closely aligned to student needs. Nutrition Services Nutrition Services Summer Updates Are you ready for summer? Eligible families may receive an extra $120 per student for summer groceries. Students who qualify for free school meals are automatically eligible. If you are unsure, complete the Educational Benefits application in Infinite Campus. If approved, you will receive an EBT card with funds loaded, or the funds will be added to your existing SNAP card. Learn more at the CDHS website. Englewood Schools Nutrition Services will also offer free summer lunches at two locations: Englewood Library by the fountains in June and July, and Belleview Park at Pavilion 1 in July. Student Services Celebrating - We're a Gold Level Colorado Asthma-Friendly District! We’re proud to announce that ALL 8 Englewood Schools have been recognized as Gold Level Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools! This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting students with asthma through evidence-based practices, comprehensive care coordination, and a healthy school environment. This recognition celebrates our comprehensive approach to supporting students with asthma—from emergency protocols and staff training to creating healthier environments and coordinating care with families and healthcare providers. Asthma affects about 70,000 school-age children in Colorado and is a leading cause of school absences. As a Colorado Asthma-Friendly School, we're committed to ensuring every student with asthma can attend regularly, participate fully, and achieve their potential. Thank you to our district nurses, Mandy Lopez and Brittany Blaylock, for leading this initiative and to our entire school community for your partnership in creating a healthy, supportive environment for all students! Secondary Success 🎓 You're Invited to Celebrate the Class of 2026! 🎉 Join us as we honor the hard work, achievements, and bright futures of our incredible graduates from Englewood High School and Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice. Let’s come together to celebrate this unforgettable milestone! Englewood High School: Senior Awards Ceremony: 📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM📍EHS Fieldhouse* Graduation Ceremony: 📅 Monday, May 18, 2026 🕘 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍Randy Penn Stadium* Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice: Rose Ceremony: 📅 Friday, May 15, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 📍CFHSC Courtyard (weather permitting) Graduation Ceremony: 📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026 🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍CFHSC Auditorium *Spanish interpretation will be available. Summer Programming Engage, Explore, Excel: Elevating Summer Learning 2026! We’re excited to offer a free Elementary Summer School Program to strengthen academic skills and prevent summer slide! 📌 WHO: Rising K-5 students (by invitation) 📅 WHEN: June 2-12, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM (Breakfast & lunch provided) 📌 COST: FREE This grant-funded program provides engaging, high-quality instruction in literacy and math, along with hands-on enrichment activities to build confidence, curiosity, and academic growth. Visit the Englewood Schools Summer Programs Webpage for details on all student summer opportunities! Middle and High School Summer Programs Englewood Schools offers a dynamic lineup of programs for middle and high school students this summer. There's something for every student! Middle School Career Pathways Exploration High School Credit Recovery/Credit Acceleration Classes College Tour/Overnight Trip Common Application Workshop For more information on these programs and other summer community offerings, please visit the Englewood Schools Summer School webpage. Good News Stories Bishop Around the World Celebration Bishop Around the World was a wonderful celebration of culture, community, food, and learning! This favorite Bishop tradition brought families together last week to explore countries and cultures from around the globe, including France, Libya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico, Panama, and many more. Families had a great time tasting delicious foods, learning about traditions from around the world, and celebrating the many cultures that make our community so special. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a fun and memorable event! 🚲✨ What an amazing day at Cherrelyn! Every Cherrelyn 2nd grader received a brand-new bike and helmet thanks to Wish for Wheels and their partnership with CMI, a local company connected to a Cherrelyn parent. Wish for Wheels empowers the well-being of kids, families, and communities by providing a new bike and helmet to 2nd graders. We are so grateful for their continued support and for CMI's generosity in helping make this special day possible. This marks Cherrelyn’s 4th year partnering with Wish for Wheels and CMI, and it was another unforgettable celebration of joy, confidence and community! Thank you to everyone who helped bring this experience to our students! In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): Bishop Around the World District STEAM Night Social Media & Your Kids Who Dunnit Immersion Day Gifted Showcase Night Creativity Grants Salon & Spa Academy Career Connections PISEC Poster Symposium at CU Bus Driver Appreciation Day Charles Hay Motown Night ECE Spring Fling and Art Show Clayton's Time Capsule Event Principal Appreciation Day Teacher Appreciation Week Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS) Cultivating "Life-Ready" Graduates 🌟 Building Bright Futures: Career Portfolios at Charles Hay Career exploration isn’t just for high schoolers! At Charles Hay Elementary, students are already building their own Career Portfolios, documenting a journey of self-discovery from Kindergarten through 6th grade. By creating "artifacts" at every level, students connect their classroom learning to their future dreams. Our K-6 Scope & Sequence: Early Explorers (K-2): Our youngest students identify community jobs and connect their favorite school activities to future careers through interest inventories. (See picture to the left) Goal Setters (3rd-4th): Students begin exploring "Career Clusters" to set short- and long-term goals. Future Planners (5th-6th): The journey culminates with 5th graders building step-by-step career plans and 6th graders developing comprehensive 10-year plans while practicing financial literacy and managing real-world classroom jobs. Through these portfolios, Charles Hay students aren't just learning for today—they are preparing for a lifetime of success! Success at the Spring EHS Future Fair! On April 3, the EHS Fieldhouse was transformed into a hub of opportunity for our annual Spring Future Fair. Over 475 students in grades 8–12 participated, engaging with 50+ vendors from across the state. Students didn't just browse; they came prepared. Using a "Target Three" mission strategy, they interviewed college reps, military recruiters, and industry leaders across fields such as healthcare, trades, and tech. The focus was on "Essential Skills", the human superpowers, such as critical thinking and communication, that define the future workforce. A huge thank you to our community partners and staff for helping our students navigate their next steps. Career Connections Celebrates Student Creativity and Skill Colorado’s Finest Salon & Spa Academy students recently took the spotlight during the Career Connections Fashion Show & Industry Meet & Greet, held in April. This exciting event showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and professionalism of students as they competed in two imaginative categories: Heroes vs. Villains. From bold styling choices to high-energy presentations, students brought their visions to life through an artistic display of skill, imagination, and confidence. The event also gave students the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and celebrate the hard work they have put into developing their craft. Congratulations to all of the students who participated and helped make this event such a memorable celebration of talent and career readiness! Englewood Career Exploration Summer Opportunities Future Center: EHS and Colorado's Finest HS Choice Check out FREE, PAID, and LOW-COST summer career exploration opportunities throughout the Denver Metro area for high school students. Spots are filling fast! Upcoming Events District and Community FREE and Low-Cost Events District Events: May 7: EMS/EHS-Spring Band Concert (6:00 PM) May 7: Charles Hay-Art Showcase (5-6:30 PM) May 8: Cherrelyn-Bike to School Day May 12: EHS Choir Concert (6:30 PM) May 14: ECE Field Day sponsored by the Special Olympics May 14: Clayton Art Show (5:30 PM) May 15: Cherrelyn-Fun Run May 15: Colorado's Finest High School of Choice Rose Ceremony (6:30 PM) May 16: Colorado's Finest High School of Choice-Graduation (11:00 AM) May 18: EHS-Graduation (6:00 PM) May 20: ECE-Last day of school! May 21: Bishop-Field Day May 22: Bishop-Summer Kick Off (3:30 - 5:30 PM) May 22: Charles Hay- 6th grade Exhibitions May 25: NO SCHOOL May 26: - Cherrelyn-Staff vs 6th Grade Kickball Game (Time TBD) May 27: Bishop-Kindergarten Graduation (10:30-11:30 AM) May 27: Charles Hay -6th Grade Continuation May 28: Bishop-6th Grade Continuation (9-10:15 AM) May 28: Cherrelyn-Kindergarten and 6th Grade Celebrations (K 8:30 AM; 6th 10:30 AM) May 28: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL May 30: Clayton Community Garden Work Day (9:00 AM) Community Events: May 16: Celebrate Englewood May 22: Free Night at Joy Park @ Children's Museum May 23–24: Denver Arts Festival (Free entry at Central Park Conservatory Green) May 30: Free Day: Four Mile Historic Park Community Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence - May Congratulations– you have made it to the final stretch of the school year! While this is a huge accomplishment, May can bring both excitement and end-of-year stress. So, as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month in May (alongside Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month), Englewood Schools is committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and safe. Mental health is not one-size-fits-all; students navigate the world differently based on their identities. Whether your child is navigating testing anxiety, social transitions, or the pressures of identity, we want to partner with you to ensure that every student feels resilient and valued all year long. Here are four research-backed, no-cost, low-pressure strategies you can use throughout the summer and beyond: Rose, Bud, and Thorn Check-in: During a meal or car ride, have everyone share their Rose (a highlight), their Thorn (a challenge), and their Bud (something they are looking forward to) from the day or week. This supports self-awareness and self-regulation (which are topics students are learning about in PATHS at school!). It also normalizes the idea that we all have "thorns," reducing the stigma around negative emotions and building trust. Build an Identity Web: Get the family together, have everyone grab a sheet of paper, then draw a circle in the middle with their name written inside it. Together, draw lines to characteristics that make them who they are, such as special skills or core parts of their social identities (Basketball Player, Brother, Artist, Speaks Spanish, Latina, Jewish, etc). This celebrates their multi-faceted identity and reinforces a sense of pride and belonging, which acts as a protective factor against stress. Choose Your Own Adventure Days: Give your child two or three no-cost or low-cost options for a Saturday activity (e.g., "Do we go to the park, the library, or have a movie matinee?"). Giving children agency and choice builds their confidence and executive function, helping them feel in control of their environment. Narrative Storytelling & Family History: Share stories about your own childhood or family ancestors. Knowing one’s family history and cultural stories builds relational resilience. When children see how their family has overcome obstacles, they feel more capable of handling their own. As we head into summer break, this is a wonderful time for families to foster deeper connection and intentionally highlight wellness and belonging! In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On May 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On May 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold an Executive Session Special Meeting in person at RDAB, 4101 S. Bannock St. On June 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. A Public Hearing, as required by C.R.S. 22-44-109, regarding the proposed budget, will be held on June 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Regular Board Meeting. Please complete this form to have your objection read by the Board President. On June 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Special Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, May 07 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - April 2, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter April 2, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, Flowers and trees are in bloom, birds are singing, and the days are longer, which means it is time for state testing! These assessments provide your student’s school and teacher(s) with important data that guides instructional improvements, identifies areas of strength in academic achievement and areas of growth, and informs state funding. Most importantly, the data help ensure we make the proper adjustments to meet your student's needs. Our teachers take pride in comprehensively teaching the Colorado Academic Standards. They enter their classrooms prepared to teach and, more importantly, they want to connect with students. When students are known well and taught well, state testing is an opportunity to showcase all the hard work your students have put in throughout the school year. We have strong indicators on our interim tests that our teachers have done an outstanding job preparing your students this school year. We give interim tests three times a year to measure your student's mastery of the standards. Recent interim assessments show we are on a consistent trajectory toward increasing student proficiency. In English Language Arts, district-wide scores increased by over 4% compared to Interim 1. In mathematics, we have seen a district-wide increase of 4.2%. “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing” is a quote from Stephen Covey. Educating your children is the main thing; it is the core of what we do. While Englewood offers a plethora of opportunities, academics are the main thing, and you have our commitment that we will continue to work hard to ensure your student is succeeding academically. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week With Us - Submit Photos! Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible educators and staff who make a difference in your child’s life every day! This is the perfect time to show gratitude for the dedication, passion, and hard work of the adults who inspire and support our students. As part of our celebration, we’d love to feature special moments between students and staff on social media! 📸 How You Can Participate: Please share a photo of your child with a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted their education. Upload your photo using this Google Form link. The deadline for submission is April 23 at 3:30 p.m. Let’s come together as a community to say THANK YOU to our outstanding educators! Follow us on social media throughout the week to see these heartwarming moments. Enrollment Register Now to Help Your School Win the Infinite Campus World Cup! Last Chance - Contest ends April 3! 👉 Start Here with Infinite Campus Login Need help? Contact your school, email registration@engschools.net or call 303-806-2051. Let’s get those registrations in—and help your school take home the trophy! Update - 6th Grade Enrollment Options We have updated the Online Registration (OLR) form to simplify the process. Now, when you are completing OLR, you will see that your student’s enrollment is pre-populated for their current elementary school, but you can select “Yes” to move their enrollment to EMS. If you have already completed OLR, you do not need to make any changes. A letter with this information was sent by the Superintendent yesterday, with information specific to each elementary school. Who needs to submit a choice enrollment application? You will need to submit a choice enrollment application if you meet one of the following: New students who live outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Current students who have moved outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Transition-grade students moving to a new school level (Kindergarten, 7th grade, or 9th grade) who live outside the district (including currently enrolled students) In addition to a choice enrollment application, parents/guardians must complete online registration for the 2026/27 school year. Questions? Please get in touch with your student’s school or Email: choice@engschools.net or Call 303-806-2051 for assistance. Learning Services Spring Testing is Coming - Quick Facts! As we head into spring, we are preparing for our annual statewide assessments to ensure your child is on track and mastering the Colorado Academic Standards. Why These Assessments Matter: These tests act as a roadmap, giving us data to better support your student in meeting grade-level expectations. For You: A clear snapshot of your child’s progress on grade-level standards. For Our Teachers: Insight into achievement gaps so instruction can be adjusted for student success. For Our District: Feedback to guide funding, resources, and support where schools need it most. 📅 CMAS: April 6–24 CMAS: Grades 3–8 – English Language Arts & Math Grades 5, 8, & 11 – Science Grades 4 & 8 (selected schools) – Social Studies PSAT & SAT: April 13–24 PSAT: Grades 9 & 10 SAT: Grade 11 Next Steps: Testing days vary by school. Please check your school’s website and newsletters for your child’s exact schedule. Next Steps: Testing days vary by building. Please check your school's website and upcoming newsletters for your student's exact testing schedule! Interim 3 Update - Students Show Growth in 25-26! Englewood Schools is proud to share that our latest interim assessments show a strong, steady increase in student proficiency, thanks to the dedication of our students and the hard work of our teachers and staff. ELA Highlights: 4.1% Increase: District-wide proficiency rose 4.1% from this year's interim 1 assessment. 5th Grade: Increased proficiency on all three interim assessments compared to last year, with an average gain of 18 percentage points. Math Excellence and Highlights: District math proficiency increased on every interim this year compared to the same tests last year, extending Englewood Schools’ two-year streak of growth. Consistent Gains: Average proficiency increased 4.2% on each interim compared to the same tests last year. 4th, 5th, 6th Grade & Algebra 1: These classes led the way in increasing proficiency across all three interim tests compared to last year. Thank you to our entire school community for helping our students achieve such strong growth. These exceptional results are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students and the incredible efforts of our dedicated teachers. We celebrate these achievements and look forward to continued growth and success throughout the academic year. Summer Programming Engage, Explore, Excel: Elevating Summer Learning 2026! We’re excited to offer a free Elementary Summer School Program to strengthen academic skills and prevent summer slide! 📌 WHO: Rising K-5 students (by invitation) 📅 WHEN: June 2-12, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM (Breakfast & lunch provided) 📌 COST: FREE This grant-funded program provides engaging, high-quality instruction in literacy and math, along with hands-on enrichment activities to build confidence, curiosity, and academic growth. Student invitations go out by April 15. For questions, contact Alicia Postelli. Visit the Englewood Schools Summer Programs Webpage for details on all student summer opportunities! Middle and High School Summer Programs Englewood Schools offers a dynamic lineup of programs for middle and high school students this summer. There's something for every student! Middle School Career Pathways Exploration High School Credit Recovery/Credit Acceleration Classes College Tour/Overnight Trip Common Application Workshop Registration is now open, and space is limited. For more information on these programs and other summer community offerings, please visit the Englewood Schools Summer School webpage. Good News Stories PBIS "SMART" Celebration at Clayton! Celebrating Our Roaring Tigers! 🐯 Every quarter at our Roaring Tiger Celebration, Clayton staff proudly recognize a standout student who truly embodies our core values: Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, and Teamwork. To make the moment even more special, "SMARTY" presents each winner with a Roaring Tiger Certificate and an exclusive badge to wear with pride around the school! EMS Students Recognized for Service-Focused Essays Last week, three EMS students were honored by the Optimist Club for their exceptional essays describing how their acts of service positively impacted their community. Congratulations to 7th grader Lillian Orblom, who earned third place; 6th grader Stella Waddy, who earned second place; and 7th grader Alaynnah Fanshier, who earned first place in the competition. We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their hearts, their voices, and their strong commitment to serving others. We also deeply appreciate Julie White and this new partnership with the Optimist Club and the support it provides to our students. In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): Clayton's One Book Connects Bishop is More than a Building ProStart Competition Englewood Rotary Generosity Englewood Herald's Story on Dani Herman Gifted and Talented π Night EMS Recognized by Optimist Club Long Range Planning Committee Long-Range Planning Committee Final Report The work of the 2024-2026 Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC) is complete. The group consisted of a broad set of community members, parents, and staff, with representation from every building in the district. The LRPC presented its results to the Board of Education on March 3, 2026. The committee's recommendations for improvements to facilities, technology, and transportation are available on the LRPC website. The LRPC extends its deepest gratitude to the many individuals and groups whose expertise, transparency, and vision made these recommendations possible. Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS) Cultivating "Life-Ready" Graduates 🌟 Spotlighting Success: Building an "Equity Bridge" at EMS! We love a good brag, especially when it involves the incredible energy and creativity of our staff! A massive shoutout goes to Sam Lansinger and Jaime Primiano, who recently surprised us by completely transforming the EMS hallways. They created an amazing, vibrant display lining the halls to help students discover: "What career is a fit for you?" This visually awesome project isn't just about decorating our walls; it is about providing authentic exposure opportunities for our kids. We firmly believe that Exposure = The Equity Bridge. By showing students what is possible, we are opening doors to futures they might not have otherwise imagined. Building a Solid Foundation. This hallway transformation is a perfect example of the authentic career exposure we are weaving into the everyday student experience. EMS is perfectly aligned to take amazing next steps in career learning, with this project building upon our other awesome initiatives: 💬 Engaging Career Chats 🏴‍☠️ Meaningful "Pirate Time" work 🌍 Hands-on Immersion Days 🔍 Diverse "Exploratories" course offerings We are so incredibly excited about what the future holds here at EMS. Thank you, Sam and Jaime, for bringing such vibrant energy to our halls and helping us lay a solid foundation for our students' futures! Colorado's Finest Future Fair: Career Edition Colorado's Finest welcomed over 20 community organizations, local employers, and trade unions for a career-edition-themed fair, allowing students to explore multiple pathways and opportunities. Special thanks to Kat Roybal and the counseling team for coordinating a fantastic event! Remaining Open Scholarship Opportunities for Class of 2026! We're excited to share scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2026! All are open now, and the links are provided below. Alice Bowling Wirth Scholarship (Open to EHS students). Deadline is April 10 by 4 PM. Randy Penn Scholarship (Open to EHS students). Deadline is April 10 by 4 PM. Dr. Tom Synnott Finest Founder Scholarship (Open to CFHSC Only: Deadline is April 10 by 5 PM) For additional information on these scholarships, please contact Heidi Stone. Englewood Career Exploration Summer Opportunities Future Center: EHS and Colorado's Finest HS Choice Check out FREE, PAID, and LOW-COST summer career exploration opportunities throughout the Denver Metro area for high school students. Spots are filling fast! Upcoming Events District and Community FREE and Low-Cost Events District Events: April 2: Clayton Family Literacy Night (4:00-6:00 PM) April 8: Location (EMS) but open for all families: Social Media and your Kids (5:00-6:30 PM, followed by dinner 6:30-7:30 PM) April 9: Charles Hay Tech Night (5:00-6:30 PM) April 9: Stronger Together: A School-City Town Hall at ECE (6 - 8 PM) April 9: Jazz Night at EHS (6:30 PM) April 16 - 18: EHS Spring Musical Little Shop of Horrors (times vary, check here) April 23: Clayton Time Capsule Event ( 4:00-6:00 PM) April 24: Bishop Around the World (5:00-7:00 PM) April 24: Cherrelyn Pastries with the Principal (7:45-8:45 AM) April 27: No school for students (except Colorado's Finest High School) April 30: EMS/EHS Art Show (4:30-6:30 PM) April 30: Cherrelyn Spring Concert (1:20 - 2:35 PM) Community Events: April 13- Free Day - Denver Museum of Nature and Science April 19: Free Day - Denver Zoo (must preregister on April 5) April 22: Free Day - Denver and Chatfield Botanic Gardens April 25: City of Englewood Earth Day Celebration (Centennial Park (4630 S Decatur St) April 26: Free Day - Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Día del Niño, in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center) April 26: Free Day - Clyfford Still Museum (Día del Niño event) Various Easter egg hunts and bunny appearances, information: here Social Media & Your Kids! Englewood Middle School invites you to an eye-opening evening focused on the impact of technology and social media on our students. Keynote Speaker: Max Stossel, founder of Social Awakening. who has worked with over a million people worldwide to illustrate how technology is designed to distract and addict. What You’ll Learn: The psychology behind addictive app design. How social media affects teen development and friendships. Practical strategies for families to reclaim focus and connection. Free for all Englewood Schools' families! Schedule & Location: Date: April 8, 2026 Presentation: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Fisher Auditorium Community Dinner: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Englewood Campus Commons This event is made possible by a generous grant from the Colorado Attorney General's Office. Stronger Together: A School–City Town Hall Join Englewood Schools and the City of Englewood for a community town hall on 2025 successes, future priorities and shared efforts to support students and the broader community. Hear updates from school and city leadership, learn about key partnerships and shared goals, and take part in discussion and audience Q&A. Thursday, April 9 6-8 p.m. ECE at Maddox - 3838 S Huron St, Englewood, CO 80110 SAVE THE DATE! Unearthing Clayton’s History: The 1976 & 2001 Time Capsules Calling all Clayton Alumni, Current Families, and Englewood Community Members! Join us as we open the vault and step back in time. We will be displaying the 1976 Bicentennial capsule and unearthing the 2001 time capsule, and we want you there for the big reveal! 📅 WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2026 ⏰ TIME: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 WHERE: Clayton Elementary School Join us for an evening of community fun, including: 🕰️ The Official Time Capsule Unearthing 📜 Englewood Historical Society & Library Displays 🚒 City of Englewood "Night Out" Truck ✨ A walk down memory lane with classmates and friends! Help us spread the word! Please share this with any Clayton alumni from 1976 or 2001. Community Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) April often brings a mix of the fluttery excitement of spring and the arrival of year-end assessments. Whether your child is taking state tests, AP exams, or classroom finals, we want to partner with you to ensure they feel confident, capable, and supported. From an Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion perspective, we know that assessments are limited tools that don’t fully capture the multifaceted brilliance our students bring from their homes and communities, from linguistic assets to neurodiversity to profound lived experiences that help shape our collective humanity. However, they offer vital data points to help us refine how we support every child in learning and growing to their highest potential. Families and educators all play a unique role in supporting children through an inclusive lens that fosters their well-being. If families know a big day is coming up for their children (whether that’s a test or a tournament), practicing mindfulness or affirmation rituals can not only relax a person, it can also biologically improve their cognitive access by reducing cortisol (a stress hormone that can make it hard to think clearly about complex problems). Here are a few ideas to help your children remember how amazing they are: The "Power Note": Tuck a small note in their lunchbox or backpack reminding them of a specific strength they have (e.g., "I love how you never give up on hard problems!"). Morning Affirmations: Have your child say one positive thing about themselves in the mirror before leaving the house. You can add a “power pose” along with the affirmation and do this practice with your child. Making sure your child understands and advocates for any accommodations they are entitled to so they have what they need to succeed (these might be listed in their learning plans if they have one, and include things like extended time, a quiet setting, or translated instructions). These are tools that level the playing field so your child can demonstrate what they truly know. If you have questions about your child's specific supports, please reach out to their school. Simply breathing can help the brain work better. Taking 60 seconds to practice deep breathing together can help lower stress levels and open the brain's learning centers for better focus and calmer thinking. These are just a few home-based supports to help your child feel seen and valued as their whole self. What other strategies does your family use to support each other, and how can you help incorporate them into routines for your child, both at home and in school? In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. On April 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Special Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, Apr 02 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - March 5, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter March 5, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, Athletics, performing arts, activities, and clubs can be some of the many reasons students love school. Most of our coaches, directors, and after-school leaders are also teachers during the school day. Making a difference in your student’s life continues after school hours. At EHS, the team offers everything from... the Dungeons & Dragons club, the Academic Decathlon, the Black Cultural Alliance, the Marching Band, the Theater, and every sport imaginable. In the spring season, you will see our girls on the tennis courts, competing in golf at Broken Tee, on the pitch, and both girls and boys running track and field. You will see our boys competing on the baseball field and on the volleyball court. Some highlights from the winter season include our boys’ basketball team winning the league championship and heading to state this Friday. For the second year in a row, we had a female wrestler compete at state and place 5th. As Mr. Smith and Mr. Rode always say, if you want to create a new club, just find some classmates, and they will help you find an adult sponsor to run it. At EMS, they offer boys’ and girls’ sports every season. This includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. Dave Lammers, the EMS athletic director, makes it all happen with the help of the talented coaches. If your student is interested in art, Mrs. Winans is here to expand your student's interests through Art Club. EMS also offers the opportunity to play in the marching band under Mr. Stokes' direction while in 8th grade. All four of our elementary schools offer some sort of after-school program. Teachers support students in clubs such as Spartan Club, Crochet Club, Creative Writing Club, Math Club, Choir, Chess Club, Strings Attached (think violin and cello), Karaoke Club, Art Club, PE Club, Kindness Club, and Garden Club, just to name a few. In addition to clubs, at all of our elementary schools, we partner with Champions for before- and after-care to provide consistent, high-quality care for all students. Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice also offers clubs that meet during the school day. These clubs include Genders & Sexualities Alliances (GSA) and Student Voice. ECE at Maddox has a robust before and after-care program. This program gives students a strong start with educators who love them from the moment they walk through the doors. Students explore through creative and imaginative play. What do all of these opportunities mean for your student? Most importantly, it means that we are here to ensure they feel a sense of belonging. An added benefit is that students who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely to graduate high school, and extracurricular participation correlates with approximately a 21% higher likelihood of completing a college degree. Take advantage of all the big opportunities that our small District has to offer. Your students will find a wonderful group of friends, and the skills they learn will translate into success later in life. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates Welcoming Our New EMS Principal: Brandon Masters We are excited to announce Brandon Masters as the new Principal of Englewood Middle School. Brandon was selected for the way he blends heart, clarity, and high expectations, described as genuine, thoughtful, and deeply committed, with a relationship-driven approach. He pairs a warm, people-first philosophy with a data-informed vision, offering practical strategies such as consistent walkthroughs to ensure that every student is known and supported. His experience in both science and special education, as an administrator, and his focus on the whole child resonated strongly with the community. His empathy and commitment to building an inclusive culture were noted. As one person shared, “You quietly model gentleness without weakness.” We were also moved by Brandon's commitment to presence, connection, and building culture through consistency, including greeting students at the EMS doors daily. We share this vision for Englewood Middle School and are excited for what's ahead. Choice Enrollment Round Two Now Open! Who needs to submit a choice enrollment application? New students who live outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Current students who have moved outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Transition-grade students moving to a new school level (Kindergarten, 7th grade, or 9th grade) who live outside the district (including currently enrolled students) In addition to a choice enrollment application, parents/guardians must complete online registration for the 2026/27 school year. Link to the Choice Enrollment Application Link to Infinite Campus Questions? Please get in touch with your student’s school or Email: choice@engschools.net or Call 303-806-2051 for assistance. Register Now to Help Your School Win the Infinite Campus World Cup! 🏆 Infinite Campus World Cup is on! Englewood Schools is competing district-wide to see which school can get the most completed registrations by April 3rd. The winning school gets: a Superintendent visit, the trophy, bragging rights, and classroom prizes. School to beat: Charles Hay World School (reigning champ)! ✅ Register early to help schools plan staffing, budgets, and choice enrollment seats. 👉 Start Here with Infinite Campus Login Need help? Contact your school, email registration@engschools.net or call 303-806-2051. Let’s get those registrations in—and help your school take home the trophy! 6th Grade Enrollment Options One of the many things unique and wonderful about Englewood Schools is the option for 6th grade: staying at your current elementary school (Bishop, Charles Hay, Cherrelyn, Clayton) or moving to Englewood Middle School (EMS). We want to make this process as simple as possible. Here are the two options below: Option 1: Attend 6th Grade at Your Current Elementary School If you already know you want your child to remain at their current elementary school, please complete the Online Registration (OLR). Option 2: Attend 6th Grade at EMS All in-district incoming 6th-grade students are welcome to attend EMS. Please complete this Google Form. The Google Form will ensure you hear from Mrs. Hart, the EMS Principal, about the next steps. Please complete OLR even though it will only show your elementary school as an option. We are working with Infinite Campus to make EMS a selection in the future. Note for Out-of-District Families: Since you are transitioning from elementary to middle school, you must complete the Choice Enrollment application if you choose EMS. Please see the letter sent to 5th Grade Families from Superintendent Polzin on February 25. Learning Services Why State Testing Matters for Englewood Schools As we approach CMAS, PSAT, and SAT testing, we want to share why participation is vital for our community. The Purpose: Testing helps the state measure school success and distribute resources fairly. The Impact: In a small system like ours, every score matters. High participation ensures our district's ranking matches our actual classroom achievements. The Big Picture: While tests don’t show everything, they are the system’s primary way of measuring our progress. The Goal: All Performance-Rated schools in a Performance District by 2028. Want to learn more? * Contact: Becky Jones, (Learning and Assessment Coordinator) or your school principal. Get Involved: Attend your school’s monthly Accountability Committee meeting. 2025-2026 Culture and Climate Survey Englewood Schools is committed to ensuring that your experience with us is collaborative, successful, and helps your student(s) thrive. We encourage you to complete this survey about your experience with your student’s school. If you have multiple students at various schools, complete one for each student. In addition, if you have one or more students at the same school, please take the survey, thinking about your oldest student enrolled. ​​ ​This anonymous survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. The results will be used to improve the learning environment for your student(s) in our district and schools. The survey is open and closes on Friday, March 13, 2026. To complete it, click the QR code, click the link, or copy and paste it into your browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JR7SR9G Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback! Your voice is essential in identifying what is working well and what improvements we can make to deliver on our vision to graduate the leaders, thinkers and explorers of tomorrow. Mental Health Family Support Group Caregiver Support - Supporting Parents of Teens Alis Behavioral Health is offering a virtual, clinician-led space for parents and caregivers of adolescents who are struggling. This group offers a safe, welcoming space to connect with other caregivers, share experiences and gain support. This group is open to anyone in the community and is FREE! Every Tuesday 5:30-6:30 PM Register through this link to receive the Microsoft Teams link Good News Stories In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): School Resource Officer Appreciation Multilingual Bingo Night Lt. Governor Primavera Visits EMS BCA shares on Black History Month Colorado's Finest Salon & Spa visit Maddox Maddox Symphony Spotlight with Englewood Arts EHS students present at Youth Diversity Conference Clayton's One Book Connects Bishop is Home Bishop is More Than a Building — It’s Home 🐻🌿 At Bishop, we love to say our school is more than just a building; it’s a home. And last week, four staff members proved that BEARS Pride shines just as brightly in the flower beds as it does in the classroom. Chris Quarton kicked things off by securing a generous mulch donation to refresh our front entrance on Elati. Jen jumped in right away, coordinating logistics and working her magic to land two deliveries totaling 60+ bags of mulch—completely free. Then came the best part: after the final bell, Chris, Jen, Ms. Jess, and Tony stayed late, rolled up their sleeves, and spread the mulch themselves so every student, parent, and neighbor is welcomed by a clean, beautiful landscape. Thank you, Chris, Jen, Ms. Jess, and Tony—four incredible BEARS who make our school (and our district) shine! Nutrition Services Celebrate National Nutrition Month® with Englewood Schools! March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” invites everyone, students, families, and staff, to explore how food and beverage choices can fuel your day and help your body and mind thrive. Here are 20 great tips provided by the Academy on making healthier choices. (Español) Englewood Schools is proud to offer healthy breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost under Healthy School Meals for All. Last year, Englewood Schools Nutrition Services provided 250,000 lunches and 140,000 breakfasts to students! We know that students learn best when they have access to balanced, nutritious meals that include whole grains, protein, and fruits and vegetables to power them through the day. Our Nutrition Services team has been working to lower the sugar content in breakfast offerings while expanding protein options. Be sure to have your student try our new chicken-and-biscuit breakfast sandwich, available beginning April 8! Aside from school breakfast, school lunch, and afterschool snack, Englewood Schools Nutrition Services participates in a unique program - the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program, which allows students attending one of Englewood’s four elementary schools to try a variety of unique fruits and vegetables twice a week also learning about their health benefits, country of origin, and different ways to prepare the items. Take a peek into the flip book that contains all the fun and unique items the students have tried this year! Nutrition has the power to strengthen individuals and communities alike. Small, everyday choices have long-term impacts on our health, both physically and mentally. Together, let’s empower each other to make choices that fuel our potential, today and in the years to come. Check out more nutrition resources from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics here. Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS) Cultivating "Life-Ready" Graduates Exploring Opportunities at ACC! Twenty of our juniors and seniors took part in an ACC Experience campus visit on February 6, exploring the many pathways ACC offers, from certificate programs to 2-year degrees. Students jumped into hands-on activities, learned about ACC’s unique programming, and even heard about travel abroad opportunities available through select programs. A big thank-you to our chaperones Dawn Cominsky, Sharon Worthman, and Sharon’s intern, Justina, for helping the trip run smoothly! Be sure to ask participating students about their favorite moments from the visit. Please stay tuned for our upcoming CSU campus visit on April 1! EHS Senior Recognized as DAR Good Citizen EHS senior Abigail Husbands was honored as a Good Citizen by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mt. Rosa Chapter on February 7, receiving a certificate and a cash scholarship. Abigail earned this recognition through a rigorous application process that included submitting a detailed resume, letters of recommendation, and completing a timed essay. Her application will also be considered for the Mt. Rosa Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to Abigail on this well-deserved honor. Abigail plans to commit to Bard College for fall 2026. Scholarship Opportunities for Class of 2026 - OPEN NOW ($500-$10K: Multiple Awards!) We're excited to share scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2026! All are open now, and the links are provided below. Alice Bowling Wirth Scholarship (Open to EHS students). Deadline is April 10. Randy Penn Scholarship (Open to EHS students). Deadline is April 10. Englewood Board of Education Scholarship (EHS Students) (CFHSC students). Deadline is April 2. Englewood Education Foundation Scholarship (Open to EHS and CFHSC students). Deadline is April 10. Englewood Rotary Scholarship (Open to EHS and CFHSC students). Deadline is March 6. For additional information on these scholarships, please contact Heidi Stone. Technology and Innovation 🚀 District STEAM Night is Back! Englewood Schools is hosting its 2nd Annual District STEAM Night from 5:00–7:00 PM on April 1 at Englewood High School! Bring the whole family for a fun evening of hands-on STEAM stations tied to our PK–8 STEAM classes and high school CTE pathways. Check out new activities led by community partners—launch rockets, drive robots, and explore awesome student creations. Food trucks will be on site (food available for purchase). An RSVP link via ParentSquare is coming soon—watch your inbox! Details: Event: 2nd Annual District STEAM Night Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Englewood High School (3800 S. Logan St.) Cost: FREE! (Food trucks will have food for purchase) LifeTouch and Englewood Schools Dear Englewood Schools Community, We have recently heard from community members with questions regarding Englewood Schools' partnership with LifeTouch, and we wanted to take a moment to share some information regarding that matter. As you know, Englewood has partnered with LifeTouch for school pictures. Per our agreement with LifeTouch, LifeTouch does not disclose confidential information provided by the Account (in our case, Englewood Schools Account Data) or use it for any purpose except to fulfill the services requested to be performed by LifeTouch (i.e., provisioning photos from picture day to the LifeTouch Portal and/or generating student IDs). Englewood Schools remains in control of the Account Data at all times, and Lifetouch will retain the Account Data only as necessary to fulfill its obligations under our Agreement. LifeTouch is only permitted to use Account Data for purposes that are listed in the Agreement. LifeTouch has issued an official statement on data privacy, which can be reviewed here. Additionally, Englewood Schools conducted a formal review of its contract with LifeTouch Photography, and we made the decision months ago to end this partnership. We will begin a partnership with a new vendor, DR Photo, which is locally based and currently serves other Denver Metro-area districts and schools. We met with the owner numerous times. We are confident DR Photo will operate in a way that not only provides high-quality services to our district and families, but also upholds our high standards for student data privacy. Upon the conclusion of our contract with LifeTouch, we will request the destruction of all district data. We thank you for entrusting us with safeguarding your students’ data privacy. Paul Whitaker, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation Community District and Community FREE and Low-Cost Events District Events: March 5: Charles Hay Kindergarten Tour (8:30-9:15 AM) March 9-13: EMS Wish Week March 11 - 12: EHS midterms March 16-20: No School - Spring Break March 23: No School - Teacher Work Day March 27: Cherrelyn Pastries with the Principal (7:45-8:45 AM) April 2: Clayton Family Literacy Night (4:00-6:00 PM) Community Events: March 6: Free Day- Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Girls in Science) March 9: Free Day- Denver Botanic Gardens (York St. and Chatfield)-must register March 16-20: Englewood Library-Spring Break Programming March 21: Free Day - Denver Botanic Gardens (Plains Conservation Center) March 28: City of Englewood-Spring Festival: Hop and Shop Event EMS Wish Week is back: March 9–13! Englewood Middle School is proud to lead its 8th Annual Wish Week in partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado. EMS is the only middle school in Colorado that LEADS a Wish Week, and our students and community have raised more than $58,000 over the last seven years to help grant wishes for Wish Kids like Xiomara. This year, EMS is aiming high with a $10,000 goal—and every dollar supports Make-A-Wish’s mission to bring hope and joy to more kids facing critical illness (not just one wish). Below are some of the ways you can participate: Restaurant Fundraiser Flyers (print or show on smartphone): Chipotle (Español) - Monday, March 9 | 5-9 PM Panda (Español) - Thursday, March 12 | 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM Here is the link to donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation for EMS's Wish Week New Date - Social Media & Your Kids! Englewood Middle School invites you to an eye-opening evening focused on the impact of technology and social media on our students. Keynote Speaker: Max Stossel, founder of Social Awakening. Max has worked with over a million people worldwide to illustrate how technology is designed to distract and addict. What You’ll Learn: The psychology behind addictive app design. How social media affects teen development and friendships. Practical strategies for families to reclaim focus and connection. Free for all Englewood Schools' families! Schedule & Location: Date: April 8, 2026 Presentation: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Fisher Auditorium Community Dinner: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Englewood Campus Commons After the presentation, please stay to enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Gallo Italian Supper Club. This event is made possible through a generous grant from the office of the Colorado Attorney General. We look forward to seeing you there for a meaningful night of learning and community! Stronger Together: A School–City Town Hall How Englewood Schools and the City of Englewood Are Working and Partnering for a Brighter Future Join Englewood Schools and the City of Englewood for a community town hall highlighting 2025 successes, future priorities and the ways both organizations are working together to support students and the broader community. The event will include updates from Englewood Schools and City of Englewood leadership, a conversation on shared goals and partnerships and opportunities for community engagement through discussion and audience Q&A. Date: Thursday, April 9 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: ECE at Maddox, 3838 S Huron St, Englewood, CO 80110 Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Bloom Where You Are Planted: Cultivating Belonging This March As the first buds of spring begin to appear (even though it’s still winter!), we are reminded that a garden’s beauty doesn’t come from a single type of flower, but from the vibrant mix of colors, heights, and seasons of bloom. Our school district is much like that garden. Our families represent a beautiful spectrum of religious beliefs, languages, races, neurodiversity, and family structures. This diversity is our greatest strength, and for our community to truly thrive, every student needs to feel they truly belong. Why does belonging matter? It isn't just a "feel-good" concept—belonging is a foundation for success. Research shows that when students feel excluded, it directly affects their growth. Conversely, a strong sense of belonging is linked to: Higher Academic Achievement: Students are more likely to engage when they feel seen. Better Mental Health: Social connection is a primary buffer against stress. Post-Secondary Success: Feeling supported in school correlates with higher socio-economic gains later in life. In this season of revitalization, let's look for ways to plant seeds of inclusion in our homes and our broader community by actively replacing outdated patterns of exclusion with new, supportive practices. Here are a few questions to reflect upon. And, if you are willing to share, please reach out to me so we can chat about it! How does your family practice inclusion at home? What barriers have you encountered that we can help break down? What stories of belonging have made a difference for your child? In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Update on the BoE Vacancy - Welcome Dani Herman Please welcome Danielle (Dani) Herman to the Englewood Schools Board of Education. At the February 17 Special Meeting of the Board of Education, Danielle was unanimously selected to fill the vacancy on the Board. Please see the Englewood Herald's story through this link. At the March 3 Regular Meeting, Danielle took the oath of office and will serve until the next regular biennial election in November 2027. Originally from Connecticut, Dani studied Child Development at Goucher College and later earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Colorado. After moving to Colorado 14 years ago with AmeriCorps NCCC, she taught kindergarten at Denver Green School for 6 years and co-founded 3 Teachers Tutoring, which supported students through the pandemic. Dani is now a family law attorney (sworn in May 2025) and brings a strong background in education, advocacy, and family support. As the parent of a third-grader and a kindergartener at Cherrelyn Elementary, she’s deeply invested in Englewood Schools and excited to help ensure every student has access to a high-quality, supportive education. Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: There is no work session scheduled in March due to Spring Break. On April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, Mar 05 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - February 5, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter February 5, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, I’m excited to share that on Tuesday night, the Board of Education had its first reading on revisions to Board Policy JICJ: Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices. This update is a direct result of the valuable feedback many of you provided through our survey and listening sessions. It is clear that you understand the health impacts that social media has on children and adults. The policy differentiates expectations by grade level for students' personal technology devices (including wearable devices such as smartwatches). By moving toward a “More Social, Less Media” environment, we are creating an atmosphere for learning where students can truly be present with their teachers and each other. What This Means for Your Students: Grades PK-8: We are implementing a bell-to-bell restriction. Students are not permitted to access any personal electronic devices during the school day. This ensures our younger students are focused on academics, play, movement, and face-to-face social growth. Grades 9-12: We are fostering professional balance. Personal electronic devices will be “Off and Away” during all instructional time, and students will have limited access during passing periods and lunch, at the principal’s discretion. This allows students to be fully present during class. Overall, we will see an increase in positive social face-to-face communication with our students. Supporting our students in navigating technology is at the heart of Big Rock #1: Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS). We aren’t just limiting devices; we are modeling the habits needed for long-term success. To support our transition and to dive deeper into the “why” grounded in research, I invite you to join us for a special community event. We are hosting Max Stossel, founder of Social Awakening, to talk to our community about how social media shapes our lives and how to manage its effects. Dinner from Gallo Italian Supper Club will be served in the Commons following the presentation. What: Max Stossel, Social Awakening, presents Social Media & Your Kids Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM presentation, 6:30 PM dinner Location: Fisher Auditorium, located on The Englewood Campus at 3800 S. Logan St. Thank you for your partnership in supporting the ongoing improvements to personal technology device limits during the school day. In Partnership, Joanna Polzin District News and Department Updates Choice Enrollment Round Two Now Open! Who needs to submit a choice enrollment application? New students who live outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Current students who have moved outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Transition-grade students moving to a new school level (Kindergarten, 7th grade, or 9th grade) who live outside the district (including currently enrolled students) In addition to a choice enrollment application, parents/guardians must complete online registration for the 2026/27 school year. Link to the Choice Enrollment Application Link to Infinite Campus Questions? Please get in touch with your student’s school or Email: info@engschools.net or Call 303-806-2051 for assistance. Register Now to Help Your School Win the Infinite Campus World Cup! 🏆 Infinite Campus World Cup is on! Englewood Schools is competing district-wide to see which school can get the most completed registrations by April 3rd. The winning school gets: a Superintendent visit, the trophy, bragging rights, and classroom prizes. School to beat: Charles Hay World School (reigning champ)! ✅ Register early to help schools plan staffing, budgets, and choice enrollment seats. 👉 Start Here with Infinite Campus Login Need help? Contact your school, email info@engschools.net or call 303-806-2051. Let’s get those registrations in—and help your school take home the trophy! Good News Stories Celebrating Englewood Middle School Art Teacher & Artist Almira Winans! We’re excited to share that Almira Winans has been selected for CherryArts’ Emerging Artist Program and will have the opportunity to exhibit at the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, one of the nation’s largest art festivals. The program also includes a $5,000 unrestricted grant to support early-career artists. Almira first learned about this opportunity through EMS's connection with CherryArts, an art-focused nonprofit that expands arts education and access to creative experiences across Colorado. EMS has been fortunate to host the CherryArts Mobile Art Gallery twice, giving students meaningful exposure to professional artwork on campus. As part of her application, Almira shared, "Participating in the festival would allow me to lead by example for my students, showing them that art is meaningful, attainable, and a universal language. This program would not only strengthen my own practice but also enhance my ability to inspire and support others, creating a lasting impact on my growth as both an artist and an educator." Congratulations, Almira, we’re proud of you and grateful for the creative opportunities CherryArts brings to our students and community. Black Cultural Alliance Students Present at Statewide Diversity Conference Six dedicated Englewood High School students spent last Saturday learning, connecting, and leading at the Colorado Youth Diversity Conference, an event planned by students, for students and attended by teens and teachers from across the state. The conference centered on building stronger communities through inclusion, well-being, and the shared goal of creating a safe and just world for all. EHS students didn’t just attend, they made an impact. Black Cultural Alliance leaders, TJ Stewart, Jared Woodard, and Dameon Briggs, presented a powerful educator workshop on why schools must uplift students’ stories. Their message was clear: when students feel seen and heard, it strengthens belonging and helps shape a school culture where everyone can thrive. We’re proud of our students for representing Englewood High School with purpose, leadership, and heart. A Symphony of Smiles at Maddox! 🥁 Yesterday, the halls at Maddox were filled with the enchanting sounds of the Symphony Spotlight, an annual tradition brought to us by Englewood Arts. This event has been a community favorite for years, blending "fun" and "beautiful" perfectly. From the delicate notes of classical masterpieces to the familiar magic of The Little Mermaid, the musicians featured each instrument, keeping every student captivated. It was an afternoon of pure inspiration—whether our students were dreaming of the violin or, like our featured drummer, ready to keep the beat! A huge thank you to Englewood Arts for continuing this wonderful tradition. In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): Kindergarten Roundup Video Cherrelyn Bring Your Parents to Specials ECE at Maddox STEAM Night EMS Art teacher Almira Winans Social Media & Your Kids Event EMS JA field trip EHS and CFHSC juniors visit CU Purposeful Actions Targeting Habits of Success (PATHS) Cultivating "Life-Ready" Graduates JA Field Trip: Real-World Learning in Action (8th Grade) Last week, our 8th graders from Englewood Middle School headed out for a Junior Achievement (JA) field trip, and it was a great reminder that learning really clicks when students can see it, try it, and talk about it in the real world. Throughout the experience, students explored how everyday skills connect to future goals: career pathways, budgeting and decision-making, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They asked thoughtful questions, supported one another, and represented EMS with maturity and curiosity. Big takeaways from the day: Students practiced real-world thinking: choices, trade-offs, and planning ahead They connected classroom skills to career and life opportunities They strengthened confidence through hands-on activities and teamwork They got a glimpse of what’s possible beyond middle school A huge thank-you to the staff, parent volunteers and partners who helped make this trip happen and to our students for showing up with great energy and focus. We’re proud of you, 8th grade! EHS Junior DU Mentoring Sessions (Spring 2026) Select EHS juniors have been invited to participate in the University of Denver (DU) Mentoring Program this spring, based on staff nominations. During scheduled Wednesdays in January and February, students are paired with DU student mentors to learn more about: Preparing for college Navigating campus resources Adjusting to college life and expectations To wrap up the experience, students will also participate in a DU campus tour in late February. We’re excited to support our juniors as they build confidence, connection, and college readiness! EHS and CFHSC Juniors Visit CU Boulder! Twenty-nine of our EHS and CFHSC juniors visited CU Boulder last week for an on-campus tour! They explored a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities and learned key steps to start preparing for Fall 2027 college applications. Bonus highlight: lunch at the C4C (Center for Community) with plenty of great options. Huge thanks to our chaperones, Cory McGee and Finest counselor Janelle St. Charles, for keeping everything running smoothly! 🙌 Ask a participating student about their favorite part of the day! Scholarship Opportunities for Class of 2026 We’re excited to share scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2026! Some applications are open now, and you’ll find the links below. If an opportunity has an open date in the future, please email Heidi Stone for more information. We’ll also include additional scholarship updates in the March newsletter. Alice Bowling Wirth Scholarship - Open to EHS students. Deadline is April 2. Randy Penn Scholarship - Open to EHS students, and the scholarship application opens February 18. Deadline is April 2. Englewood Board of Education Scholarship - Open to EHS and CFHSC students, and the scholarship application opens February 18. Deadline is April 2. Englewood Education Foundation Scholarship - Open to EHS and CFHSC students. Deadline is March 13. Englewood Rotary Scholarship - Open to EHS and CFHSC students. The priority deadline is February 18, and the final deadline is March 6. For additional information on these, please contact Heidi Stone. Community District and Community FREE and Low-Cost Events District Events: February 5: EMS Middle School Parent Bootcamp (4:30-7 PM in the library) February 6: Clayton 2nd Grade Music Performance February 11: Multicultural Families Night - Bingo (5:00-7:00 PM taking place @ Bishop) February 12: Charles Hay Cougar Palooza/Health and Wellness Night (5:00-7:00 PM) February 12: Cherrelyn Movie Night February 13: No School for students February 16: No School (closed for President’s Day) February 18-19: Parent Teacher Conferences (check with your child’s school for schedule) February 20: No School February 24: Social Media and Your Kids- guest speaker event (open to all district families (5:00-6:30 PM @ EMS) (dinner 6:30-7:30 PM) February 27: Cherrelyn: Pastries with the Principal (7:45 -8:45 AM) Community Events: February 7: Englewood Library Pages & Pastries February 10: Free Day, Denver Art Museum February 12: Free Day, Denver Botanic Gardens, must register February 14: Loveland Sweetheart Festival February 22: Free Day, Denver Zoo, must register on February 8th February 27: 4-Mile Historic Park Free Healthy Living Cooking Class Series Join us at ECE Maddox for a FREE cooking class series offered in partnership with Colorado State University! Parents and caregivers will discover delicious new recipes while learning practical tips for saving money on weekly grocery bills. All participants will receive helpful kitchen tools, including a cutting mat and measuring cups, just for attending! When: Thursdays, 8:45–10:45 AM Reserve your spot: Antonio Rangel | 720-323-0140 | ARangle@arapahoegov.com Join Us For This Incredible Event - Social Media & Your Kids Join Englewood Middle School for an important conversation with Max Stossel, award-winning artist and founder of Social Awakening, an organization dedicated to helping young people thrive in today’s digital world. Max has spoken with over 1 million students, parents, and educators worldwide about how social media impacts kids’ mental health, relationships, and development, and how families can navigate it together. Date: February 24, 2026 Time: 5:00–6:30 PM Location: Fisher Auditorium FREE & open to all Englewood Schools families Join us in the Englewood Campus Commons from 6:30 - 7:30 PM for dinner. Don't Miss this Opportunity to See Denver Summit FC's Inaugural Match! Englewood School District families can access special ticket pricing + priority seating for Denver Summit FC’s Home Opener: Date: March 28 Time: 12 PM Location: Empower Field. Each ticket helps support the Englewood Education Foundation. Deadline to purchase is February 13th! Buy Tickets here or use the button below. Buy tickets Here Register for Camp Here Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence In Englewood Schools, we often use the phrase “big opportunities in a small district”, which means every student and employee knows we will support them in achieving their highest potential, and we will do so in a close-knit, community-oriented environment. That means every student and staff member feels seen, valued, and safe. A crucial part of this is understanding that a compassionate community is not just about being kind, but about being courageous—to be Upstanders rather than bystanders if they witness harm, bullying, or exclusion. Speaking up can be intimidating, but it is a learned skill that protects our community. When we stay silent in the face of unkind or prejudiced remarks, we unintentionally signal that the behavior is acceptable. By intervening, we practice our District-wide core values: High Expectations, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Community. This ensures that our schools remain welcoming environments for everyone. While it can be difficult to know what to say or do in the moment, here are four simple strategies (The 4 D’s) you can think about, practice, and even discuss as a family to help everyone safely navigate these moments: Direct: If it feels safe, address the harm directly. A simple "that’s not cool" or "we don't do that here" is often enough to stop the behavior in the moment. If there’s a later time to talk with the person more about the situation, that’s a great opportunity to help them understand why their actions were harmful and what they can do differently next time. Distract: Interrupt the situation by changing the subject, asking a random question, or dropping an object. This breaks the tension and gives the person being targeted a chance to move away. Delegate: If the situation feels unsafe to handle alone, get help immediately. For kids and adults alike, when you are in our district, please ask a principal, teacher, bus driver, or other trusted adult for support. Delay: If you can't act in the moment, check in on the person who was harmed afterward. A simple "Are you okay?" or "I saw that, and it wasn't right" validates their feelings and reduces isolation. Let’s work together to empower and look out for one another! In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education Update on the Board of Education Vacancy At a special meeting on January 20, a vacancy was declared for an open director seat, and we are seeking a passionate leader to help guide our district’s future. 🗓️ Key Dates: January 21: Application officially opened. February 3: Deadline for application. February 17: Public interviews with prospective candidates. March 3: Board appointment of the new director. ✅ Who is Eligible? Reside within the Englewood School District boundaries. Have been a registered voter of the district for at least 12 consecutive months. Have no record of a sexual offense conviction against a minor. Submit a completed application and required affidavit of qualification. Term Details: The person appointed will serve until the next regular biennial election in November 2027. For additional details on our Board of Education Vacancy webpage. Questions? We are here to help! Please reach out to Nikki Gunnels at 303-806-2002 or email nikki_gunnels@engschools.net. Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education held its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On February 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold a Regular Work Session Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will stream it online here. On March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, Feb 05 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter - January 8, 2026

Monthly Family Newsletter January 8, 2026 A Message from the Superintendent Dear Englewood Families, Starting the new year strong is imperative for student success. The staff at Englewood Schools is prepared for the second semester with your students. Here is what I am looking forward to this semester: I am excited to greet our ECE students at Kindergarten Round-Up as they explore which elementary school they will attend next year. The kindergarten teachers, principals, and I are gearing up for our meet and greet at the Englewood Schools Kindergarten Round-Up on Wednesday, January 14, from 3:00–5:30 PM at Englewood Early Childhood Education (ECE), 3838 S. Huron St. Students and families will be able to meet Kindergarten teacher teams and principals from our four outstanding elementary schools: Bishop, Charles Hay World School, Clayton, and Cherrelyn Elementary. Families will also be able to register their child for Kindergarten at this event. I am very pleased that we continue to offer an elementary and a middle school option for 6th grade. If your student is in 5th grade, they have two options next year. They can remain at their elementary school for 6th grade or transition to Englewood Middle School (EMS). This is just one more thing that is unique to Englewood Schools. Students and families from Englewood and surrounding districts are invited to attend the EMS Showcase Night on January 22, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM. This is an incredible opportunity for students to get a feel for EMS's positive culture and opportunities. I love attending the annual “Clap Out,” where 8th graders are welcomed to Englewood High School for their transition to high school. The EHS and EMS administrations ensure that every student feels seen. Don’t forget, 8th graders also have the option of our alternative education campus, Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice. At Finest, classes run every 6 weeks instead of the traditional semester or year-long schedule. Finest is a Performance school that prides itself on offering exceptional support in an inclusive environment that helps students reach their full potential. The culmination of high school is just around the corner for our seniors: Graduation Day! I enjoy celebrating all the hard work and dedication of our students after attending 13 years of school. It is an accomplishment we all can appreciate. I look forward to seeing you second semester as we celebrate the hard work of your students. In Partnership, Joanna District News and Department Updates Help us shape the future of Englewood Middle School! 🏫 As you may have heard, Principal Hart has announced her retirement at the conclusion of this school year. While we are incredibly grateful for her years of dedicated service to Englewood Schools, we are now beginning the important task of selecting the next leader for our middle school. Englewood Schools is beginning the search for our next leader. We want to find a principal who reflects the values and goals of our amazing community—and that starts with your feedback! Please take 5 minutes to share your thoughts in our Leadership Survey. Your input will directly inform our hiring committee as we look for the next leader for our students and staff. 🔗 Link to Survey (Deadline: Please submit your feedback by January 10.) 🔗 Link to LinkedIn Post Thank you for being such an important part of the Englewood family! Emergency Communications Testing of Emergency Communication on Saturday, January 10. To ensure our emergency notifications are working properly, Englewood Schools will conduct a test of our ParentSquare emergency communication system on Saturday, January 10, 2026, around 1:00 p.m. This test will send an email, text, and phone message. This is only a test—no action is required. Choice Enrollment Choice Enrollment is Open Until January 19! Who needs to apply for Choice enrollment? New students who live outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Current students who have moved outside the Englewood Schools attendance boundary Transition-grade students moving to a new school level (Kindergarten, 7th grade, or 9th grade) who live outside the district (including currently enrolled students) 6th-grade students choosing to attend Englewood Middle School instead of their elementary school. In addition to a choice enrollment application, parents/guardians must complete online registration for the 2026/27 school year. Link to the Choice Enrollment Application Link to Infinite Campus Questions? Please get in touch with your student’s school or Email: info@engschools.net or Call 303-806-2051 for assistance. Register for the 2026/27 School Year and Help Your School Win the Infinite Campus World Cup! Registration opens January 14, and we encourage families to complete it as soon as possible. And this year, we’re making it extra fun. 🏆 Join the Infinite Campus World Cup - Englewood Schools is hosting the Infinite Campus World Cup, a District-wide competition to see which school can get the most completed registrations by May 1. The winning school will be celebrated with: A visit from the Superintendent The Infinite Campus World Cup trophy to display Major bragging rights Fun prizes for the classroom with the most completed registrations And the school to beat? Charles Hay World School, our current reigning champion! ✅ Why Register So Early? You might be wondering why we’re asking families to complete registration now. The earlier we know who’s returning, the better we can plan. Completing registration early helps schools: Plan staffing and classroom support Build accurate budgets Understand how many choice enrollment applicants each school can accept 👉 Start Here with Infinite Campus Login Need Help Logging In? If you need assistance with your Infinite Campus password or account, please contact your student’s school or reach out to us: Email: info@engschools.net Phone: 303-806-2051 Let’s get those registrations in—and help your school take home the trophy! Future Kindergarten Families Kindergarten Roundup for Future Families! Join us for a fun and informative open house for future kindergarten students and their families! Meet our amazing Englewood Schools community, including elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, and Superintendent Polzin. Learn about registration and enrollment Meet Peety the Parrot and the Englewood Pirates, and enjoy entertainment from the EHS Drum Line and Cheer Squad. Snacks and activities will be available for all children attending! 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 🕒 Time: 3:00 – 5:30 PM 📍 Location: ECE at Maddox | 3838 S Huron St. Englewood, CO 80110 Kindergarten Open Houses and School Tours Bishop Elementary – 3100 S Elati St Kindergarten Info Night: February 5 | 3:00–3:45 PM (For information, call 303-806-2400) Charles Hay World School – 1221 E Eastman Ave School Tours: February 5 and March 5 | 8:30–9:15 AM (For information, call 303-806-2421) Cherrelyn Elementary – 4500 S Lincoln St (For information, call 303-806-2441) Clayton Elementary – 475 W Union Ave School Tours: Until February 6; Mondays 2-2:30 PM and Fridays 9-9:30 AM (no tours on MLK day). (For information, call 303-806-2482) Learning Services District Interim 2 Update: Celebrating Record-Breaking Academic Growth! Englewood Schools is proud to announce that our recent interim assessment period was one of the most successful in our most recent history. These results are a testament to the dedication of our students and the incredible hard work of our teachers and staff. English Language Arts (ELA) Our ELA scores have reached a five-year high for this assessment period. Highlights include: 7% Increase: District-wide proficiency rose by 7% compared to last year’s Interim 2 assessment. Widespread Growth: 82% of all grade-level cohorts saw improved scores over the previous year. Math Excellence Our students continue to set new benchmarks in mathematics, reaching an all-time high proficiency level for the district. Consistent Gains: Proficiency increased by 6% over both last year’s Interim 2 and this year’s Interim 1 scores. Long-Term Success: Over the past five years, Englewood Schools has increased overall math proficiency by a staggering 20%. Congratulations to our entire school community for these outstanding achievements! These exceptional results are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students and the incredible efforts of our dedicated teachers. We celebrate these achievements and look forward to continued growth and success throughout the academic year. Technology The Englewood Schools AI (Artificial Intelligence) Literacy Steering Committee Englewood Schools is taking an exciting next step toward preparing students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence, and we want you with us for the journey. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Englewood Schools AI Literacy Steering Committee will host a Community Collaboration Night from 5:30–7:00 p.m. This evening is all about sharing the work currently underway to build an AI Literacy Framework for Englewood Schools, a guide that will help ensure our students learn to understand, use, and think critically about AI in thoughtful, responsible ways. During the night, committee members will give a clear, community-friendly overview of our goals and deliverables, and then we’ll shift into a listening session. We want to hear your hopes, concerns, and expectations around AI literacy in our district. Your voice matters here; your feedback will be a valuable and necessary part of shaping a framework that truly reflects Englewood’s community. To make it easy for every family to participate, we’ll provide childcare, pizza, drinks, light snacks, and interpretation services. If you’re interested in adding your perspective to this important district-wide conversation, please click here to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you and building this future together! Good News Stories In Case You Missed It On Our Social Media! "Like & Follow Us" on social media, and in case you missed it, check out some of our posts that were on Facebook (@EnglewoodSchools) and Instagram (@englewoodschools): City Council Recognizes Artists Wish for Wheels and Swedish at Bishop New Board Members Swear In 6th Grade Pathway Day EHS Parent Sings National Anthem EHS National Honor Society Cherrelyn's Annual Holiday Bingo EMS Boys Basketball EMS Choir Concert Cherrelyn Concert Community District and Community FREE and Low-Cost Events District Events: January 10: Colorado's Finest High School of Choice Mid-Year Graduation January 13: EMS Parent Advisory Committee Meeting (5:00 - 6:00 PM) January 14: Kindergarten Roundup At ECE at Maddox (3:00 - 5:30 PM) January 19: NO School (Martin Luther King Day) January 20: Clayton School Accountability Committee Meeting (5:30 - 7:00 PM) January 22: ECE STEAM Night (4:00 - 5:30 PM) January 22: EMS Showcase Open House (5:00 - 7:00 PM) January 23: Cherrelyn Pastries with the Principal (7:45 - 8:45 AM) January 27: Cherrelyn Bring your Parent to Specials Day (check in with the teacher for times) January 29: Charles Hay STEAM Night (5:00 - 7:00 PM) Community Events: January 13: Free Day, Denver Art Museum January 13: Free Grounds Day at the National Western Stock Show January 14: Englewood Cocoa and Collars-Cushing Dog Park Ribbon Cutting January 23: Free Day, Four Mile Historic Park January 30: Englewood Conversations with City Council- Nixon Coffee House Denver Nuggets Foundation Fundraiser Come watch the Denver Nuggets and support the Englewood Education Foundation. For every ticket purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Foundation. The Englewood Education Foundation provides scholarships for students and creativity grants for our staff. Thank you to the Englewood Education Foundation and the Denver Nuggets for supporting Englewood Schools! See the flyer details by clicking this link and order your tickets online through the button below. Order Tickets Online Opportunity, Access and Inclusion (OAI) Inclusive Excellence As we embark on a new year, with our eyes focused on what kind of future we want to build for the year ahead, let’s also take a moment to look back on our history and reflect on our roots. Colorado is a rich destination point for American history, both inside and outside of the Denver Metro. Just over 70 miles north of Englewood, Dearfield, Colorado, stands as a testament to Black resilience—a town built in 1910 on the dream of ownership and self-determination. Further southeast, the Amache National Historic Site reminds us of the unjust incarceration of 7,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. Despite the violation of their civil liberties, those at Amache maintained dignity and community. And we cannot forget the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, where in 1864, a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho families was attacked by soldiers. While this is a painful chapter, acknowledging it is vital to respecting the enduring sovereignty and survival of Indigenous peoples in Colorado today. Why do these places matter to us in Englewood? Because history isn't just dates in a book—history is both a mirror and a window. Understanding our history affirms that diverse heritages are central to our state's story, and it builds empathy by helping us understand the perspectives of neighbors who have faced exclusion yet persevered. Let’s use these stories to spark curiosity. Together, we can continue to build a school district where every student understands our shared past and feels they truly belong. In partnership, Dr. Rana Razzaque Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Board of Education 💛 Honoring Our Englewood School Board Members 💙 In our close-knit Englewood community, our school board members are more than leaders; they’re your neighbors, fellow parents, and friends. These remarkable individuals serve as unpaid volunteers, dedicating countless hours to ensuring our schools provide the best opportunities for every student. January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to reflect on their tireless commitment and express our gratitude for their service. Their efforts impact every corner of our district, from shaping policies to supporting educators and families. Next time you see one of our five board members, whether at morning drop-off, the grocery store, or a neighborhood event, take a moment to thank them for all they do to help our students thrive. Let’s celebrate these champions of education who make Englewood Schools a place where students can grow, learn, and succeed. Board of Education Updates Previous Board of Education Meetings: On January 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and streamed online here. Upcoming Board of Education Meetings: On January 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold a Board Retreat in person at RDAB, 4101 S. Bannock St. and will be recorded but not live-streamed. On January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold a Regular Work Session Meeting in person at ECE at Maddox, 3838 S. Huron St., and will stream it online here. On February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Education will hold 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 the day of the meeting. The full agendas for all board meetings will be posted on our website on the Friday preceding each meeting.

Thursday, Jan 08 2026