Columbine Community Update 1/20/23

Posted January 24, 2023

Happy Friday Columbine Community,

This was certainly a strange week! I hope you all stayed safe and warm during our snow day. Thursday and today our students had indoor recess. It is always my priority to get students outside every day, moving, and enjoying fresh air. We typically stay inside if the temperature is below 28, if the wind is causing temperatures to feel too chilly, and/or if there is snow or ice covering our grounds and blacktop. Our blacktop has not yet been plowed by DPS grounds but we expect this to happen over the weekend.

CSC/Budget Updates

As you all know, the CSC met last night to approve a budget recommendation for the 23-24 school year. It was a productive conversation, grounded in students-first, and anchored in our improvement priorities as a school. While we celebrated the fact that Columbine is projected to increase in enrollment for next year, unfortunately, we are still at a budget deficit going into the 23-24 school year and we will be making reductions this year. Columbine sits in one of the most difficult enrollment numbers when it comes to budgetary impacts. We love our small school, and being a small school results in resource limitations. We will be requesting budget assistance in hopes of minimizing our reductions specifically to our staff. I am so appreciative to our CSC members who have been committed to our school, committed to decisions that are best for students, and staying action-oriented.

Black Excellence Focus Group

Our next in-person focus group for our Black families and families of our Black students will take place on January 26th at 5:30pm. This in-person focus group is hosted by one of our Black educators, Ladorris Derritt and one of our Black fathers, Ronnell Jackson. We hope that you will attend, elevate your voice, and offer feedback to our crew.

Upcoming Events

January 26th – Whole-School Crew AssemblyFebruary 1st – start of Black History MonthFebruary 2nd – School TourJanuary 13th-February 14th – School Choice Window

PTA

Columbine Cougars PTA Update Click here for our Weekly NewsletterWe need your help!Spring Fundraiser CommitteeWhy: As our school continues to address budget disparities, it has become increasingly apparent that we, as a community, will need to come together to help raise funds to continue to support some of the incredible resources and opportunities that are currently offered to our students. Please see more information from the School Newsletter per Ms. Jenks and the CSC. What: We need a team who can help create an inclusive spring fundraiser experience that allows all families the opportunity to participate in helping pull together financial resources for the 2023-24 school year. Where (will $ go): As a PTA, we are a 501(c)(3) and can accommodate tax deductible donations – funds raised from this Spring Fundraiser will go directly back to Columbine Elementary to support continuation of resources and experiences.Ask: We need help! Can you talk with a local business? Would you be willing to write a letter? Do you know of corporate sponsorship opportunities with your business? Do you have inclusive fundraising experience? Do you love our school community? Click here to sign up or add ideas! Minimal time – we just need your passion!PTA Meeting UpdateThurs, Jan 19th: Thank you for all who were able to attend both in-person or virtually! Ms. Jenks led an incredible discussion of the School Budget Process and Current State. Here are minutes & the slide deck. PTA Board Opportunities: We are looking for nominations for both the Vice President and Secretary roles – please email ColumbineCougarsPTA@gmail.com if you are interested or know of someone who you think would be a great fit!

Community Resources

In Crew,

Corey Jenks Stacey Douglass-Harris