Updates from SKCEE

Posted January 20, 2023

SchoolChoice

The Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado application process is open now through Feb. 14 (Please note the UPK window closes Feb. 14 and not Feb. 15 as originally communicated.) As a reminder, ECE-3 and ECE-4 families must complete both a DPS SchoolChoice application and a UPK Colorado application. Families have until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14 to complete a DPS SchoolChoice application and a UPK Colorado application.

How is this different from our typical SchoolChoice process?

The Colorado Dept. of Early Childhood (CDEC) is running their own algorithm with its own priorities and rules. For example, school boundary is not a priority in the new algorithm.

The CDEC will account for the following priorities:

  • The ECE student has sibling(s) who currently attend the selected ECE provider.
  • The ECE student is continuing education at the selected ECE provider.
  • A parent of the ECE student is currently employed at the selected ECE provider.

Please refer to the CDEC’s Family FAQ page for more information. 

Given that this is a brand new program and system, families are encouraged to apply early to best navigate this new process.

In addition to referencing the resources listed above, we encourage schools and families to continue checking the UPK Colorado webpage and the DPS UPK Colorado landing page regularly for updates. 

If school staff or families have questions about the UPK Colorado process, call 303-866-5223 or email cdec_upkcolorado@state.co.us. Thank you for your patience as the CDEC works through this new system.

Info from Mr. Derek

As part of our effort to support the Whole Child, our school is implementing a universal social and emotional screening for students. Universal social and emotional screening can provide a fair and impartial way of looking at how students are progressing in their social and emotional development. Screenings can also help identify areas where school personnel can improve or adjust our supports. Please understand that screening is NOT an assessment or an evaluation. Since we have been in unprecedented times, school staff would appreciate your time in completing this survey: BESS Winter 2023. The questionnaire will open on Monday, January 9th, 2023; please complete the questionnaire by Friday, February 10th, 2023.

The survey is 29 questions and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You will need your child’s six-digit student ID. Only one survey can be completed for each student. Information from this survey will be used to help our staff identify the supports our students need during this time of uncertainty. 

We appreciate your assistance as we work together to educate and support your student(s)!

Sincerely,

Derek Wehrenberg

School Psychologist/ 504 Coordinator

Stephen Knight Center for Early Education

derek_wehrenberg@dpsk12.net

(720) 424-6506

PTA Invitation

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The SKCEE PTA is seeking volunteers to help with Snowball Dance setup, cleanup, and helping pass out pizza during the dance. There are various volunteer shifts, including 30-minute shifts at the pizza table, so please check the opportunities and sign up here. Please email Melissa Viola with any questions, and thank you in advance for helping to make the Snowball Dance special. 

Tax Time

We have had many requests for our EIN number. Here it is: 84-6001099.