Hallett Community News: 12/10/21

Posted December 10, 2021

Upcoming Dates For Your Calendar

  • Monday, December 13 – Friday, December 17: Spirit Week!
  • Monday, December 20 – Monday, January 3: Winter Break, No School for Students
  • Friday, January 14: SchoolChoice Round 1 Opens
  • Monday, January 17: MLK Jr Day No School for Students
  • Monday, February 14: Last day of SchoolChoice Round 1

Dear Hallett Families,

Thank you for another wonderful week of learning!

If you missed the live stream of our Winter Concert this morning, don’t worry you can find the video on our YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tNtzTCOxTflWSWvInY2kA) !

We also will be posting a video of our entire Winter Showcase, which features this morning’s concert and the Winter Art Walk!

To celebrate our last week before winter break next week will be spirit week! You can find what each day’s theme will be below.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

With love,
Dominique Jefferson

In This Newsletter

Click on the item to read more!

Spirit Week
Holiday Resources

Toys

Denver Santa Claus Shop: https://www.denversantaclausshop.org/register-for-toys/
Dolls for Daughters and Toys for Boys – Annual Toy Drive in DenverEnrollment: Registration is REQUIRED and will open on December 1, 2021, on our website at 9 am or Click here to register.
Toys for Tots Pickup: December 4, 2021 @8:45 – 4:00p.m.
National Western Complex, Denver, Colorado, 80216.
Birth certificates are REQUIRED for each child you would like to get toys for. Parents MUST bring a photo ID. No exceptions to these rules will be made. A completed survey is required before you can shop and will be given out on
the day of the event.
If you do not get a spot when registration opens, you can come to the
National Western Complex at 4 pm on December 4, 2021, and see if we have
additional toys.

We Don’t Waste will be providing a mixed bag of produce to families
attending between 11 am-1 pm in Lot H after you have finished shopping for
your children.
Denver Rescue Mission Service GuideClick here
Eligibility: No restrictions
2222 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 313-2456 (Holiday Hotline)
Toys for TotsClick here
Eligibility: The enrollment process is online.
11420 E. 51st Ave.
Denver, Colorado 80239
SALVATION ARMY DENVER – Project Angel TreeEnrollment: Register HERE

Food

Hunger Free Coloradofood resource hotline can be reached by calling
1-855-855-4626. Go to Denver.gov Food Pantry List HERE
Denver City Inner Parish Food Box DeliverySign up here
Available for residents in eligible zip codes (see website)
Eligibility: No restrictions
Registration: Call or Walk in 1212 Mariposa Street, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 629-0636
YMCA Beyond Hunger – SW YMCAThe YMCA Beyond Hunger program will include bags filled with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and grains to help your family in a
time of need. Reservations become available 7 days prior to the scheduled
distribution date. REGISTER HERE or for more information or contact the
Southwest YMCA at (720)524-2759. Please select a date and 15 minute
timeslot below to reserve a bag. Families are limited to a maximum of 2 bags
each week.
*Southwest YMCA, 5181 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. Every Thursday
from 4 pm – 6 pm. Quantities are limited.
Denver Rescue Mission Service GuideClick here
Eligibility: No restrictions
2222 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 313-2456 (Holiday Hotline)
Mile High Behavioral Health MealsClick here
Eligibility: No restrictions
13387 E 19th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045 (303) 343-7808
Christmas Food BoxesCommunity Ministry: Click here
Eligibility: Must reside in eligible zip codes
Application: Walk-ins only
1755 S Zuni St, Denver, CO, 80223 (303) 935-3428

Clothes

Denver Rescue Mission Service GuideClick here
Eligibility: No restrictions
2222 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 313-2456 (Holiday Hotline)
Clothes to Kids of DenverStudents 3 – 21 yrs in Denver): Website here
2890 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite M-3, Denver, CO 80222
720-379-4630
Eligibility: Students must be considered in need of assistance by:
a) Their family is in crisis (due to job loss, disaster, poverty, homelessness or displacement); 
b) Their family is experiencing economic hardship due to
the COVID-19 pandemic; 
c) They are refugees and asylum seekers; 
d)They are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) at school; 
e) They are in
kinship or foster care.; and/or 
f) They are receiving services from a school, school district, human service agency, shelter, hospital, clinic or place of worship.
*Contact Sabin Counseling team for referral – rachel_kerstiens@dpsk12.org
or serena_mathes@dpsk12.org
Birthline, Inc. of Coloradocall:(303) 832-2858
Address – 2346 Gilpin St
Broadway Assistance Center (BAC)call: (303) 893-4108
Address of clothing closet – 1212 Mariposa St
Denver, CO 80204
Rising Star Missionary BaptistCall: (303) 752-0546
1500 South Dayton Street
Denver, Colorado 80247
Sharing and Caring Ministries 
Call: (303) 295-2102
3739 Downing St.
Denver, CO, 80205
Dress for Success Denvercall: (303) 832-1889
Address is 1510 N. High St 2nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80218
If you are looking for a job, or starting a new one, every Dress for Success
client in the Denver region receives one suit for a job interview. If you get the job, additional work clothes may be offered.
Jefferson Center Clothing Resource ListClick here

Looking for additional resources in your community? Just dial 2-1-1 on your phone and a United Way specialist will help you find what you’re looking for in your neighborhood (or go to United Way 2-1-1 to search or chat online)

Thank You For Supporting Hallett’s Music Program!
SchoolChoice
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

The most effective way to keep our schools healthy and safe — and our students learning in person — is by getting your family vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccines are now available for everyone age 5 and older. 

Benefits of getting vaccinated:

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 has many benefits for you, your child, your family and your community, including:

  • More in-person learning days! The vaccine helps us reduce the unpredictability of the pandemic.  
  • If you are exposed to COVID you will not need to quarantine, unless you develop symptoms.
  • Safer and easier to participate in extracurricular sports and clubs.
  • Helps us get closer to returning to more of our pre-COVID freedoms, like not wearing masks.
  • Protects your family members, particularly those at higher risk — and means there can be more hugs!

Where to get a vaccine:COVID vaccinations for all eligible individuals — now including children ages 5 and up — are available for free through our Denver Health School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs). With 18 locations across the district, our SBHCs offer a quick and convenient way to get vaccinated. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact Denver Health at 303-602-8958.
Other vaccine providers:COVID vaccinations are widely available across the City and County of Denver. Talk with your child’s primary-care provider to find out if they are providing COVID vaccinations. You can also locate a vaccine provider through the national website Vaccine.gov.To learn more about DPS’ response to COVID-19 and how to keep your student safe and healthy, please visit www.dpsk12.org.

Resources for Families

Visit the new resources page on our website to find a wide range of supports available to families!
Below is just some of what you will find there! Visit our website to view all of the resources available!

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Agencies (Therapy/Counseling)

Mental Health Hotlines & Websites

Denver Health School-Based Health ClinicsThe closest Denver Health School-Based Health Clinic to Hallett is at Bruce Randolph: 3955 Steele St.
Services

  • Well Child Checks or sports physicals. This may include:
  • routine lab tests and
  • immunizations.
  • Prescriptions and medications
  • Care for chronic conditions such as asthma and depression
  • Care for acute injury and illness
  • Individual, group and family mental health counseling
  • Dental screening, sealants, routine cleanings, and dental
  • X-rays (at select locations)
  • Parent and child health education

Community Resources

Housing and Shelter

Food Pantries

Counseling Resources

The University of Colorado Denver Student and Community Counseling Center clinic provides counseling services for children, families, and individual adults for DPS at a rate of $10 per session provided by our Masters-level counselors.

Friday Powersacks

Dear Hallett Families,

This school year your student will receive and bring home a large “Powersack” of food, which is being provided by your friends at Food for Thought!

We are a grass-roots group of neighbors who want to make sure every student has meals to eat over the weekend! We hope this bag will help provide meals and snacks for your student and your family each weekend. All funds for this food are privately funded with great passion. Please be respectful of the contents of the bag! Help us by ensuring all the food gets to your home or a family in need. We are very cautious of ‘expired’ dating. Please review the attached documents to understand how these dates are determined. If you don’t need the food in this bag, please pass it on to another family member or neighbor in need.

Your student will receive a Powersack every other Friday during the school year. Students will receive the Powersack on the following dates Friday:

9/24, 10/1, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3 and 12/17.

We welcome your feedback! Please let us know what you think of our program! You can reach us at info@foodforthoughtdenver.org. If you have additional questions feel free to contact your School representative, Brittany Talvy at 720-424-6099 or brittany_talvy@dpsk12.org

We wish you and your student(s) a productive and fun school year.

Bob Bell

Co-Founder

Food For Thought – Denver

720-201-9192

www.FoodForThoughtDenver.com

Pink Pantry Totes of Hope

Pink Pantry Totes of Hope is teaming up with the staff of Hallett Academy and the Food Bank of the Rockies to offer a supply of nutritious meals and snacks for students over their weekends and extended breaks, free of charge. Bags will be distributed to students at dismissal on the last school day before the weekend or break. Occasionally there will be fresh produce and food available on Friday on the playground by the basketball courts.

Any child enrolled in Hallett Academy is able to receive these weekly bags of food. If you feel like your family is in need from this program, we encourage you to sign up by filling the form out below and returning it to school. Only one form is needed per family, but include information for each child on the form below. This information is kept confidential. Once your family is signed up, they will receive bags of food each week until they leave the school or until you no longer wish to participate.

We encourage you to take advantage of this program for your family and your students. Questions or concerns? Please contact: Brittany Talvy, School Psychologist 720-424-6099 or at Brittany_talvy@dpsk12.org

———————————————————————————————————————

Click here to download the form | Fill out online: https://forms.gle/4mPvo4tfEwKYRJeW9

Drive-Thru Food Distribution
DPS Weather Delay Process

New for this school year, all schools (regardless of start time) will be delayed by two hours if a Weather Delay is called by the district.

We are committed to informing families about school closures or delays as early as possible – with the goal to make the call by 5 a.m.

The decision to delay or close will be made by the superintendent. That decision is based on expected accumulation of snow, the size of the storm and its duration.

The superintendent, transportation director and other district officials assess local & national weather projections and an independent weather service. Leaders also confer with City of Denver plowing schedules, CDOT and neighboring school districts before making the call.

When inclement weather reaches the metro area, members of the DPS Department of Safety and Facility Management teams visit sites checking on the impact of the weather in and around our schools. That information is shared with DPS leadership and is used in the decision-making process.

FAQ

How will I know if my child’s school is closed or delayed?

DPS announces closures or delays via the following communications tools:

  • Automated calls and emails – Families who provide phone numbers or email addresses to schools will receive a phone call and/or an email announcing any closure or delay due to inclement weather.
  • Bus Bulletin, DPS’ new tool automatically informing parents of any school bus delays. Learn more or sign up here.
  • News media – DPS immediately notifies news media for inclusion on their weather closing or delays lists.
  • DPS homepage – Closures and delays are announced via a red “alert” banner across the top of the district homepage at www.dpsk12.org.
  • DPS social media – Announcements to close or delay school will quickly be posted to Facebook @Denver Public Schools and Twitter @DPSNewsNow.
  • District closure/delay hotline – A message announcing the closure or delay will be left on the school district’s closure hotline at 720-423-3200, as well on the DPS Transportation Services hotline at 720-423-4600.

What goes into the decision to close or delay a school?

The decision to keep schools open, to delay them or to close them during winter weather is made with one overriding factor in mind: the well-being of DPS students and their families. Schools are not only vital places of learning for students, but they also provide nutrition, health care, counseling and essential support services. Whenever possible, DPS strives to keep schools open. If schools are closed, all school-related activities that day – athletics, performances – are also canceled.

What happens with other activities, such as after-school sports, if schools are closed?

If schools are closed, all school-related activities that day – athletics, performances – are also canceled.

What is a weather delay? How does it impact Discovery Link?

New for the 2019-20 school year, all schools (regardless of start time) will be delayed by two hours if a Weather Delay is called by the district.The end time of the school day will not change.

Discovery Link programming, available at many of our schools, will also be delayed by two hours, beginning at 8:30 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. Please know that Discovery Link is available only for enrolled students.

What if I need to go to work before the delayed start time?

We encourage families to seek out alternative childcare. If you are concerned about your ability to do so, please connect with your school leader in advance of a delay. Note that before school Discovery Link programming will still occur (beginning two hours later) however these programs are only available to already enrolled students due to state licensing restriction

What time will buses arrive during a delayed start? 

You can expect your bus to arrive about two hours later than it would arrive on a traditional day.

What is the impact of a two-hour delay on afterschool activities?

Unless it is otherwise communicated, afterschool activities will still happen on days when there is a two-hour delay.Updates will be posted on the dpsk12.org homepage.

What if I have another question?

Please submit questions to communications@dpsk12.org; frequently asked questions will be added to this list.

Rent Assistance
FACE Center

The FACE Centers offer free wraparound services to community members 16 or older in order to obtain critical life skills to increase their economic self-sufficiency and the academic achievement of their students.

The FACE Centers offer a variety of multi-generation services at one location, making it convenient for families to benefit from multiple services offered in their school community. Participants do not have to be DPS parents, all services are open to all community members.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES OFFERED AT THE FACE CENTERS

  • GED Classes
  • Workforce development: Job placement, resume building, workforce training, interview preparation
  • DPS Hiring Pipeline: for jobs available in Food Services Department, Facilities, Paraprofessional and more!
  • English Classes
  • Financial LiteracyCitizenship classes
  • Computer classes
  • Early Literacy classes
  • Legal Clinics and Workshops
  • Basic needs assistance
  • Social Emotional Support
  • Free Childcare during all classes

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CLASS SCHEDULE
AND TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE CLASSES AND SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT:
FACE Center – Johnson Elementary School

1850 South Irving St. Denver, CO 80219 Phone: 720.424.2970

FACE Center – John H. Amesse Elementary School

54400 Scranton St. Denver, CO, 80239 Phone: 720.424.2961