News from the Nest — January 27, 2023

Posted January 27, 2023

Vol. 7, No. 20

IT’S TONIGHT:
Join Us for Our Chili Cook-Off!

Just a reminder that our PTA’s Chili Cook-Off is TONIGHT (Friday, January 27) from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in our cafeteria! Come join us for chili tasting, our cake walk, and more! See our full event details on our website!

K-5th Grade Families:
Register for Our February Science Fair!

We are excited to announce the return of our annual School Science Fair! Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to register to participate in our fair. The fair is a fun opportunity to work with your child at home to complete an interesting science project, document their research and results on a display board, and share it with our school! We’ll have community judges visit our fair to interview participants and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons. Winning projects even have the opportunity to register for and attend the DPS STEAM Expo and Science Fair in April! 

What Families Need to Know about Our Science Fair

• Students in kindergarten through 5th grade may register to participate in our Science Fair.
• Science Fair projects must be completed at home, so please plan to help your student with all steps in the process!
• We have created an informational packet for all Science Fair participants — please read this packet thoroughly for important details! 
• We’ll have display boards for sale in our office for $5 (cash only). We have scholarships available upon request, too!

Important Science Fair Dates

• Deadline to register for our School Science Fair: Monday, February 6, 2023
• Due date for Science Fair projects: Monday, February 27, 7:45am
• Science Fair open for classroom visits: Monday, February 27 & Tuesday, February 28, during school hours
• Science Fair open for family visits: Monday, February 27, 2:30pm-3:30pm

How Do We Sign Up to Participate in the Science Fair?

Families must complete this Google form in order to register their student to participate in the 2023 McKinley-Thatcher Science Fair! Registration closes on Monday, February 6, 2023.

Have Questions or Need More Information?

Send any questions to Ms. Geerdes, this year’s Science Fair Coordinator, on ClassDojo or via email to Sonia_Geerdes@dpsk12.net. Thank you!

Save-the-Date:
Two GREAT School Events Are Coming in March & April!

McKinley-Thatcher Social-Emotional Learning Night:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023

We are so excited to host our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Night for families on Tuesday, March 7 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm! This event is a night of learning for adults in the McKinley community on topics including “Raising Media-Smart Kids,” “Trauma & Its Impacts on the Brain,” “Mindful Parenting,” and more to be announced! FREE childcare will be provided for McKinley-Thatcher students. We’ll share more information soon!

PTA Auction Party:
Friday, April 14, 2023

We are thrilled to be bringing back our live auction fundraising event this year! The 2023 Auction Party will be held on Friday, April 14. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and PTA needs your help! They are looking for volunteers to help with donor / sponsor solicitations (they’ll help you with the who & how!), creating a short video production, website design and management, sorting donations, and more! 

Have a specific skill to share or want to get involved, but not sure how? Email PTA at McTAuction@gmail.com to let them know! Thanks for supporting our amazing McKinley community!

In Other News!

• Just a reminder: if your student is going into ECE, kindergarten, or 6th grade next school year, please complete a SchoolChoice application by 4:00pm on Tuesday, February 14!
  
  
• Our PTA is holding their biannual Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) book giveaway for McKinley students on Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3! All students will visit our RIF giveaway with their classrooms in order to choose a brand-new, FREE book to take home. Thank you, PTA!
  
  
• If you or someone you know needs help paying their energy bill, DPS can help! Energy Outreach Colorado is partnering with DPS to offer families up to $2,000 towards past due utility payments! For more information and to see if you qualify, click here.
  
  
• The Denver South High School Cheer team is hosting a Cheer Kiddie Camp for all kids ages 3+ on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am to 12:00pm! Check out this flyer for more information and the link to register!
  
  
• The University of Denver is running P.A.S.S. (Pioneer Athletic Super Summer) Camp for kids this summer! Check out this flyer for more information and the link to register!

Upcoming School Events

Click here to view the McKinley-Thatcher school calendar.

• Fri., 1/27 – PTA Chili Cook-Off, 5:30pm-7:00pm in our cafeteria
• Thurs., 2/2 – Monthly PTA Meeting @ 7:30am (right after drop-off!)
• Thurs., 2/2 & Fri., 2/3 – PTA RIF book giveaway during school hours
• Fri., 2/3 – Free Book Friday @ 2:30pm on our playground

Upcoming DPS & Community Events

• Sat., 2/4 – South HS Cheer Kiddie Camp, 9:00am-12:00pm @ South HS