Posted February 3, 2022
Hello SKCEE Families!
I am a Denver native and grew up through Denver Public Schools, graduating from George Washington HS (Go Patriots!). DPS continues to be a part of my life as I continue to serve after my formal retirement in June of 2020, after 35 years of service. In my full-time DPS years, I taught at the elementary and middle school levels and served as a dean, assistant principal and principal. After six months of formal retirement, I was asked to fill in as interim principal and have been assisting in DPS as needed. One can honestly say that DPS is truly a “never-ending story” for me!
As I read the SKCEE Mission: “We are a learning community committed to ensuring each child reaches their potential through rigorous and differentiated learning. We value relationships between staff, students, and families,” I know that the mission and vision may only be accomplished through collaboration and trust of one another. Our chosen careers of educators and school-based personnel are not easy, especially in these trying times and we must work together thoughtfully as we put our best selves forward on behalf of students, community, and each other. As a DPS leader, I embrace the established DPS Core Values (Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability, Fun) and keep those values in front of mind as we navigate the path to adult and student successes.
Fun fact: I taught at Stephen Knight when it was called Stephen Knight Fundamental Academy from 1992-1996. I was in Room 104. It was in those years that I got married and had my first child. We were the KFA “Knight Hawks” and there was a school song that we sang at the monthly assemblies; I might even sing it for you!
My favorite place to be is in the classroom, being witness to the student learning under the guiding hands of skilled adults working with students. I look forward to celebrating student learning and partnering with you and the SKCEE community.
Please feel free to reach out to me,
Joanne P. Lander
Main office #: 720-424-6500
Important Information
Temporary Closures and Alternative Class Assignments
As we begin the new year, staff shortages and the prevalence of COVID continue to be challenges for the District. SKCEE is also affected by these situations. Whenever possible, to avoid a school and/or classroom closure, SKCEE will reassign students to classrooms other than their own to mitigate students missing invaluable opportunities with their peers and access to learning experiences. Please note that this strategy may not always be feasible but we will work hard to keep our school open and functioning for our students. However, despite these best efforts, there could also be temporary classroom or building closures.
What can you expect?
You can expect to be notified as soon as we know of a possibility of any kind of closure. However, please accept this as notice of potential classroom reassignment for a school day as this process is fluid and sometimes unanticipated. If your child is reassigned, you will receive communication on the first day. We will notify the families impacted through school messenger with the following message:
“Your child will be visiting another classroom today. If you have any questions, please contact the school. The classroom teacher will also contact families, if necessary.”
Backup Clothing at School
With the start of the second semester we would like to remind all families to please send in a backup set of clothes for your child to keep at school. Please make sure the clothing is winter appropriate and includes pants, a top, underwear and socks. We would like all students to have backup clothes at school to change into if needed.
Open Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window for the 2022-23 school year is Jan. 14 through 4 p.m. Feb. 15, 2022. We encourage all current families to submit their application during Round 1 of Enrollment.
SchoolChoice is as easy as Find, Apply, Register!
Here’s how it works:
If your child will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall, please complete the SchoolChoice Enrollment Application even if you are attending your home/boundary school. This enables the school to plan for accurate student numbers and ensures that you receive timely communication regarding the upcoming school year.
For additional information please check the SchoolChoice website or the SKCEE website. We are also available in the office to answer your questions. Please email Staci_Becker@dpsk12.net or call us 720-424-6500.
Cold Weather Reminders
Now that the snow has finally started falling, we would like to remind all parents/guardians to dress their children ready for cold weather. Please send boots, heavy coats, mittens and hats to school with your child on cold, snowy days. Our classes will go outside even on cold days. Please send these items to school in reusable bags, per licensing we cannot have plastic bags in our hallways.
PTA Updates…..
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to be kept up to date on what’s happening at our school. If you have a fun picture you want to share, a shout-out to a teacher, staff member, parent, or student, or just want to share a favorite moment from the day, please email a picture to knightceepta@gmail.com.
PTA Meeting
Our next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Look for meeting details in next week’s newsletter.
Discovery Link Updates…..
Discovery Link Summer Camp
Summer 2022, ELCS will offer traditional Discovery Link summer camps, as well as the return of Enrichment Exploration Camps. Summer camps will run from 6/13/22 – 8/5/22, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 7:00am – 5:30pm (no camp on 7/4/22). Enrichment Exploration Camps will run the same dates from 7:30am – 5:30pm. Registration for camp will open in late January/early February – you will receive more information in the following weeks. We can’t wait to spend Summer in the City with you!
Parking Lot Reminders
We humbly ask that you are continuing to follow the below guidelines in our parking lots:
When to Keep Your Student Home
We wanted to remind all families that if your child is showing any of the symptoms below they need to stay home from school. Students may return to school 24 hours after symptoms resolve without medication. When in doubt, please contact the front office or the school nurse for guidance.