Saturday, June 23, 2012
Lake Middle School Closes Bringing New Educational Opportunities for Northwest Denver Students
In just a few days, Denver Public School students will be out for summer. The conclusion of the 2011-2012 school year also completes the final phase-out stage of Lake Middle School. This academic year the school was only occupied by 8th grade students.
In 2009 the school board decided to close the school due to low academic performance. In 2009, 63.35% of Lake students received unsatisfactory ratings in science compared to 21.17% receiving unsatisfactory marks for the rest of the state; 45.83% of Lake students received unsatisfactory ratings in math compared to 17.24% for the rest of the state. These stats are reported at SchoolView.org http://www.schoolview.org/performance.asp with data from the Colorado Department of Education. The independent organization GreatSchools.org rated Lake Middle School http://www.greatschools.org/colorado/denver/462-Lake-Middle-School/ 1 out of 10. The Denver Post reported the school as ‘a failing school since 2002.’ http://www.denverpost.com/investigations/ci_20007363
When the doors close on May 29th at Lake Middle School, it doesn’t mean that the campus will be left empty. New opportunities are abound for incoming middle school students in Northwest Denver, as well as the building which was built in 1926 before the surrounding neighborhood was entirely developed. The facility, located at 1820 Lowell Blvd, is also home of Lake International School and West Denver Prep’s Lake Campus.
As the ‘turnaround school,’ Lake International School is located in the same facility with a redesigned program to improve academic performance and increase graduation rates. Lake International School is an International Baccalaureate. The program is offered to students grades sixth through eighth without admissions testing. The International Baccalaureate program http://www.ibo.org/ is well regarded internationally to prepare students for college and careers. The curriculum includes language arts, humanities, technology, mathematics, sciences, arts, physical education and a second language. Lake International School offers Spanish for the second language requirement. In a message from Principal Amy Highsmith, the action plan to improve this new school is to, improve attendance rates, improve the academic progress as shown in CSAP test scores and increase parent participation.
Parents might also consider West Denver Prep. The Lake Campus of West Denver Prep is a Charter School at the old Lake Middle School facility with its entrance on 19th Street. The Lake Campus has 240 students in the 6th through 7th grades, having opened it’s doors in August 2010, and expanding this past school year with a 7th grade class. It’s website announced that “In 2011, West Denver Prep’s schools ranked as four of the top five secondary schools in Denver Public Schools (DPS) on the School Performance Framework, all earning the district's highest rating of "Distinguished." Among all 137 schools evaluated, the schools ranked in the top 11” http://www.westdenverprep.org/index.php/our-results/ West Denver Prep’s school s are public charter schools allowing students to attend tuition-free without admissions test requirements.
As Denver resident David Pennington recently wrote, “Either way, Highland area students stand to benefit from the phasing out of Lake Middle.” http://8z.com/articles/with-lake-middle-closure-students-can-find-future-in-west-denver-prep
Parents who are researching middle school choices for their children in the Denver Public School system should be sure to attend the joint open house when it is announced for West Denver Prep and Lake International School.
Written by Staci Striegnitz
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Dora Moore K-8
The middle school is very small – about the same as McKinley Thatcher in that there is one 6th grade, one 7th and one 8th grade. There are about 28 students in the current 6th grade. The middle school is geographically segregated from the elementary school but they share facilities like the library, gym, lunch room, and computer lab. The size of the school and the middle school portion of the school made me quite comfortable that any child could handle the environment – changing classes, lockers and so on without being overwhelmed. The school felt very welcoming to parents (this may be because it is a K8.)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Denver School for Science and Technology
They now have information and applications for the 6th grade that is starting next fall. Here is a link to their website and the application.
http://www.scienceandtech.org/
Just a preview on the application. It is NOT based on merit, enrollment is completely lottery based which surprised me.
I find a few things interesting about this school and it's situation. One is that there will only be a 6th grade for this year so there will be no 7th or 8th graders leading the way, this could be good or bad depending on your viewpoint. The middle school years can be dicey so with only high school students as examples it could pull the 6th graders up to a higher level of behavior and expectations. Or the 6th graders could feel a bit lost and isolated.
Another thing to consider is all new teachers establishing a new middle school. I expect there may be some growing pains.
On the flip side it is very hard to argue with this schools track record.
Thoughts anyone?
Amy
http://www.scienceandtech.org/
Just a preview on the application. It is NOT based on merit, enrollment is completely lottery based which surprised me.
I find a few things interesting about this school and it's situation. One is that there will only be a 6th grade for this year so there will be no 7th or 8th graders leading the way, this could be good or bad depending on your viewpoint. The middle school years can be dicey so with only high school students as examples it could pull the 6th graders up to a higher level of behavior and expectations. Or the 6th graders could feel a bit lost and isolated.
Another thing to consider is all new teachers establishing a new middle school. I expect there may be some growing pains.
On the flip side it is very hard to argue with this schools track record.
Thoughts anyone?
Amy
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Parent Night @ Hill
Sam and I spent this evening at the parent tour of Hill - a school that was one of the district's finest back in the day (70's if you must know). In the interest of full disclosure, I attended Merrill, which is unlikely to be on anybody's radar these days. At that time Hill was the neighborhood school for the Hilltop area and fed primarily into GW and East/Manual. The intervening years of the late 80's through 90's were evidently not kind to Hill - as the property values skyrocketed in the area and the average size of wallet grew to its current levels, many of the brighter and/or economically endowed neighborhood kids have opted for Graland, Kent, CA, or as the magnet concept has developed, headed to the HGT when it was at Mitchell or to Hamilton for the IPM. When we were looking at middle schools for Abby (8th grader at Hamilton IPM) a few years back, Hill wasn't a part of the conversation.
It looks as though the school is making a concerted effort to get into the mix of the "better" DPS middle schools and they hosted a nice (and quite well attended) walking tour - most of the parent questions seemed to concern the honors program which sounds like a similar program to Morey's High Strides. Kids need to be evaluated at proficient or advanced on the CSAP and test for math and reading level. The honors program is set up to have core classes on a block schedule and electives such as P.E., woodshop (one of the last in the district), drama, and art in with the traditional program kids. The work on the walls in the 6th grade wing looked pretty good, the technology lab got Sam pretty excited and the teachers that I spoke with seemed optimistic that the school was set up for success. One of the language arts teachers said that this current year has been the best she's experienced there for 10 years - the woodshop teacher said that this was one of the two best years he's had in 21 at Hill. Both teachers said that the principal was great.
Sam is still pretty set on Hamilton - most of his friends are going that way and he's familiar with it through his sister. We may have him shadow at Hill - it looks like things are heading in the right direction.
It looks as though the school is making a concerted effort to get into the mix of the "better" DPS middle schools and they hosted a nice (and quite well attended) walking tour - most of the parent questions seemed to concern the honors program which sounds like a similar program to Morey's High Strides. Kids need to be evaluated at proficient or advanced on the CSAP and test for math and reading level. The honors program is set up to have core classes on a block schedule and electives such as P.E., woodshop (one of the last in the district), drama, and art in with the traditional program kids. The work on the walls in the 6th grade wing looked pretty good, the technology lab got Sam pretty excited and the teachers that I spoke with seemed optimistic that the school was set up for success. One of the language arts teachers said that this current year has been the best she's experienced there for 10 years - the woodshop teacher said that this was one of the two best years he's had in 21 at Hill. Both teachers said that the principal was great.
Sam is still pretty set on Hamilton - most of his friends are going that way and he's familiar with it through his sister. We may have him shadow at Hill - it looks like things are heading in the right direction.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Denver School of the Arts overview
My daughter goes to Denver School of the Arts (6th grade, violin major), and so far has had a great experience. She chose this school after visiting or shadowing at a number of other middle schools. I believe the main factor in her decision was the DSA orchestra - some other middle schools had music programs, but for her there was no comparison.
DSA accommodates grades 6-12. As Kate noted in a recent post, potential students must audition in one "major": Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, Band, Orchestra, Piano, Stagecraft and Design, Video Cinema Arts, Visual Arts, or Vocal Music. Some majors are more competitive than others. A student who plays an unusual instrument may have an easier time getting in. I believe that to some extent demographic and gender (girls vastly outnumber boys) are taken into account in the auditions. Students sometimes change majors in subsequent years, but must audition for their new major.
For kids interested in one of these areas, DSA is a great place to be. They spend 90 minutes each day working in their major subject. This time is partly made up by the fact that PE is not required (the only DPS school where this is not the case).
The teachers seem to love DSA, and many of them have arts backgrounds themselves. The new principal was once a musical performer, and the Vice Principal acted at some point. At "back to school night" orchestra members performed in the hall, and a science teacher pulled out his viola to play along! That night more than one teacher told us that they felt privileged to be working with such a creative student body.
The atmosphere seems very stimulating. My daughter sometimes comes home begging us to take her to student concerts, which are always impressive and professional. In many activities (e.g. vocal groups, theatrical productions) any student may audition, and a variety of majors are represented. Shows and concerts are open to the public, but get there early as they tend to fill up!
DSA kids take pride in their originality, and this is reflected in behavior and dress at the school. In many ways I see this as a positive alternative to an environment where conformity rules (like in MY jr. high way back when). It's worth noting that this school is 6-12th grade, so they're dealing with the issues of both middle and high school students. I'm a little concerned that she'll come up against some of those "high school issues" earlier, but so far that has not been a problem. Statistically this is the DPS school with the fewest security problems. Perhaps this is because students are there because they want to be, and many of them have healthy outlets for self-expression.
There is a perception that academics are weaker here than in (at least some) other DPS schools. My daughter definitely has less homework this year than in previous years, but her elementary education was not in DPS. Some parents I've talked to have sent their kids here for only the middle school years and then switched out, because of greater variety of AP courses, sports etc. at high schools like George Washington. On the other hand I am fascinated by the fact that the test scores at DSA are so high. There must be SOME reason.
The DSA web site has lots more information, or feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
DSA accommodates grades 6-12. As Kate noted in a recent post, potential students must audition in one "major": Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, Band, Orchestra, Piano, Stagecraft and Design, Video Cinema Arts, Visual Arts, or Vocal Music. Some majors are more competitive than others. A student who plays an unusual instrument may have an easier time getting in. I believe that to some extent demographic and gender (girls vastly outnumber boys) are taken into account in the auditions. Students sometimes change majors in subsequent years, but must audition for their new major.
For kids interested in one of these areas, DSA is a great place to be. They spend 90 minutes each day working in their major subject. This time is partly made up by the fact that PE is not required (the only DPS school where this is not the case).
The teachers seem to love DSA, and many of them have arts backgrounds themselves. The new principal was once a musical performer, and the Vice Principal acted at some point. At "back to school night" orchestra members performed in the hall, and a science teacher pulled out his viola to play along! That night more than one teacher told us that they felt privileged to be working with such a creative student body.
The atmosphere seems very stimulating. My daughter sometimes comes home begging us to take her to student concerts, which are always impressive and professional. In many activities (e.g. vocal groups, theatrical productions) any student may audition, and a variety of majors are represented. Shows and concerts are open to the public, but get there early as they tend to fill up!
DSA kids take pride in their originality, and this is reflected in behavior and dress at the school. In many ways I see this as a positive alternative to an environment where conformity rules (like in MY jr. high way back when). It's worth noting that this school is 6-12th grade, so they're dealing with the issues of both middle and high school students. I'm a little concerned that she'll come up against some of those "high school issues" earlier, but so far that has not been a problem. Statistically this is the DPS school with the fewest security problems. Perhaps this is because students are there because they want to be, and many of them have healthy outlets for self-expression.
There is a perception that academics are weaker here than in (at least some) other DPS schools. My daughter definitely has less homework this year than in previous years, but her elementary education was not in DPS. Some parents I've talked to have sent their kids here for only the middle school years and then switched out, because of greater variety of AP courses, sports etc. at high schools like George Washington. On the other hand I am fascinated by the fact that the test scores at DSA are so high. There must be SOME reason.
The DSA web site has lots more information, or feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Shadowing at Morey Middle School
Henry says, "I had a great experience, it is a really nice school. There's really nice teachers. "
We arrived after the first bell rang around 8am. We met up with the community coordinator and she took us down to a conference room where we signed in and had the opportunity to look over some information about Morey. She left to go get the student that Henry was to shadow. When she came back she was with a friendly looking boy. She introduced us to David saying that he was a great student at Morey and knew a lot about the school. From there David and Henry left for the day.
Henry says "We went to class because class was already started. David introduced me to the teacher and I sat down at the same table as David. We worked on science vocabulary. I just listened while the other kids worked on pronounciations. After that class we went to gym. In gym we played flag football or soccer. I chose to play flag football. Different kids were in this class. There were more kids, about 35 kids were playing flag football. We played for about 45 minutes. After gym we went to the computer lab. I worked at a computer playing a typing game along with the whole class. There were enough computers so everyone had their own, I worked on an Apple computer. After computer lab we went to a reading class. The students took turns reading outloud from a non-fiction book about history and I followed along. After that we had lunch, all the 6th graders were at lunch. I saw my old friend at lunch recess. His name is Herman and he went to McKinley Thatcher too. After lunch recess we had science. This class was taking a test so I worked on some math that I had brought in my backpack. David has a locker that he shares with his friend. They keep their backpacks in their locker. "
I came back to pick up Henry at 2pm, a little before the school day ends at Morey. It seemed like Henry had enjoyed his day at Morey. We looked over the list of afterschool activities and Henry liked the fact that there were a lot of sports. I think it was great that Henry had the opportunity to see how middle school is different from elementary school.
We arrived after the first bell rang around 8am. We met up with the community coordinator and she took us down to a conference room where we signed in and had the opportunity to look over some information about Morey. She left to go get the student that Henry was to shadow. When she came back she was with a friendly looking boy. She introduced us to David saying that he was a great student at Morey and knew a lot about the school. From there David and Henry left for the day.
Henry says "We went to class because class was already started. David introduced me to the teacher and I sat down at the same table as David. We worked on science vocabulary. I just listened while the other kids worked on pronounciations. After that class we went to gym. In gym we played flag football or soccer. I chose to play flag football. Different kids were in this class. There were more kids, about 35 kids were playing flag football. We played for about 45 minutes. After gym we went to the computer lab. I worked at a computer playing a typing game along with the whole class. There were enough computers so everyone had their own, I worked on an Apple computer. After computer lab we went to a reading class. The students took turns reading outloud from a non-fiction book about history and I followed along. After that we had lunch, all the 6th graders were at lunch. I saw my old friend at lunch recess. His name is Herman and he went to McKinley Thatcher too. After lunch recess we had science. This class was taking a test so I worked on some math that I had brought in my backpack. David has a locker that he shares with his friend. They keep their backpacks in their locker. "
I came back to pick up Henry at 2pm, a little before the school day ends at Morey. It seemed like Henry had enjoyed his day at Morey. We looked over the list of afterschool activities and Henry liked the fact that there were a lot of sports. I think it was great that Henry had the opportunity to see how middle school is different from elementary school.
Visits to DSA and DCIS
We visited DSA a couple of weeks ago during one of their "visitation days," where parents and kids tour the school on their own. We were part of a group of about 70 people visiting that day. Parent information night, which is more of a question-and-answer session with the administration, is November 1.
The application process for DSA is extensive. There are about ten "majors," and the child has to choose one and audition through a highly competitive process to get in (only about 15% of the kids who apply are accepted to creating writing, Annie's would-be major). Annie loved the poetry board outside the creative writing room, the library, and the artwork everywhere. I liked how engaged the kids seemed and the way there were small groups out in the halls playing instruments, running drama lines, and working on projects. Classes are in 90-minute blocks, and 6th-graders have an elective "wheel" to choose from in addition to the block for their chosen major. Class sizes in the regular classes we visited were all in the 25-30 range. Test scores for the school are high, and the academics seem solid. There are no sports, but kids can participate in sports programs at their neighborhood schools.
We really liked DSA, but it's very hard to get in. The school has been criticized for elitism, which is probably justified, but I was still impressed. I understand that DPS is going to open a new arts-based magnet school at Kunsmiller next year, which will be run on an interview-based admission process rather than an audition-based process like DSA's. That should provide another option for some of the kids who want an arts-based kind of school but can't get into DSA.
Last week, we went to an information meeting at the Denver Center for International Studies. There was a good turnout--about 60 people--and my sense is that DCIS is gaining in popularity. Last year, there were 220 applications for 6th grade and 100 spots, and I would expect that to increase this year. The application process includes submitting grades, references, and an essay or art project about the student's culture. DCIS is only in its second year as a middle school, but has been a high school program at West High School for 20 years. DCIS offers 5 languages--Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese--and incorporates the "global perspective" into the curriculum as a whole. Kids are expected to be proficient in their chosen language by the end of high school.
I liked the small size of the school (they plan to cap the size for grades 6-12 at 600 when all grades have been added), the global perspective, and the advisory system (students are assigned an advisor who meets with them periodically to review their progress, and the advisor serves as a contact person for parents/students as well). I also liked the diversity. Test scores are very good and the academics seem solid. There are no sports (but there are some sports clubs) and no electives for 6th-graders other than language (a problem at any of the magnet schools). DCIS seems like a great choice for a kid who's interested in languages and travel (there are various travel opportunities). My daughter liked the idea of traveling, the community service projects (there's a community service requirement), and the Artstreet aftershool art program.
We visited DSA a couple of weeks ago during one of their "visitation days," where parents and kids tour the school on their own. We were part of a group of about 70 people visiting that day. Parent information night, which is more of a question-and-answer session with the administration, is November 1.
The application process for DSA is extensive. There are about ten "majors," and the child has to choose one and audition through a highly competitive process to get in (only about 15% of the kids who apply are accepted to creating writing, Annie's would-be major). Annie loved the poetry board outside the creative writing room, the library, and the artwork everywhere. I liked how engaged the kids seemed and the way there were small groups out in the halls playing instruments, running drama lines, and working on projects. Classes are in 90-minute blocks, and 6th-graders have an elective "wheel" to choose from in addition to the block for their chosen major. Class sizes in the regular classes we visited were all in the 25-30 range. Test scores for the school are high, and the academics seem solid. There are no sports, but kids can participate in sports programs at their neighborhood schools.
We really liked DSA, but it's very hard to get in. The school has been criticized for elitism, which is probably justified, but I was still impressed. I understand that DPS is going to open a new arts-based magnet school at Kunsmiller next year, which will be run on an interview-based admission process rather than an audition-based process like DSA's. That should provide another option for some of the kids who want an arts-based kind of school but can't get into DSA.
Last week, we went to an information meeting at the Denver Center for International Studies. There was a good turnout--about 60 people--and my sense is that DCIS is gaining in popularity. Last year, there were 220 applications for 6th grade and 100 spots, and I would expect that to increase this year. The application process includes submitting grades, references, and an essay or art project about the student's culture. DCIS is only in its second year as a middle school, but has been a high school program at West High School for 20 years. DCIS offers 5 languages--Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese--and incorporates the "global perspective" into the curriculum as a whole. Kids are expected to be proficient in their chosen language by the end of high school.
I liked the small size of the school (they plan to cap the size for grades 6-12 at 600 when all grades have been added), the global perspective, and the advisory system (students are assigned an advisor who meets with them periodically to review their progress, and the advisor serves as a contact person for parents/students as well). I also liked the diversity. Test scores are very good and the academics seem solid. There are no sports (but there are some sports clubs) and no electives for 6th-graders other than language (a problem at any of the magnet schools). DCIS seems like a great choice for a kid who's interested in languages and travel (there are various travel opportunities). My daughter liked the idea of traveling, the community service projects (there's a community service requirement), and the Artstreet aftershool art program.
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