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.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Postscript on my visit to Grant
Yesterday I happened to run into another mom from the neighborhood who's looking at middle schools. She wanted to visit Grant, but said that the community liaison for the school told her that she couldn't visit or have her child shadow at the school until the spring. I got a similar reaction from the school secretary when I called, who told me shadowing and visitation typically isn't done until the spring, but that she thought the principal might be willing to meet with me now "if she has time." I thought this was just a disconnect with the school secretary, but apparently Grant still has a ways to go to get some of its marketing in place. (The mom I talked to is no longer considering Grant, as her family will have made their decision before spring.)
I loved the small size of Grant (350 kids), and I think there are good things happening over there, but the changes are in the beginning stages. I'd say Grant could be a good choice for a family who wants a small neighborhood school and wants to be part of revitalizing it.
Kate
Yesterday I happened to run into another mom from the neighborhood who's looking at middle schools. She wanted to visit Grant, but said that the community liaison for the school told her that she couldn't visit or have her child shadow at the school until the spring. I got a similar reaction from the school secretary when I called, who told me shadowing and visitation typically isn't done until the spring, but that she thought the principal might be willing to meet with me now "if she has time." I thought this was just a disconnect with the school secretary, but apparently Grant still has a ways to go to get some of its marketing in place. (The mom I talked to is no longer considering Grant, as her family will have made their decision before spring.)
I loved the small size of Grant (350 kids), and I think there are good things happening over there, but the changes are in the beginning stages. I'd say Grant could be a good choice for a family who wants a small neighborhood school and wants to be part of revitalizing it.
Kate
Saturday, September 29, 2007
I spent about an hour visiting Grant Middle School yesterday. Although I didn't get the most enthusiastic response from the school secretary when I called to schedule a visit, the principal, Greta Martinez, was very gracious. She called me back within an hour and said she'd be happy to show me around the school and answer my questions.
Grant has recently been designated a "beacon school" by DPS, which is apparently an effort to revamp itself as a "pre-collegiate middle school." Teachers and the principal had to come up with a plan to revitalize the school (some teachers chose not to be part of this effort and transferred to other schools). Part of the plan includes reducing class sizes for math and language arts to give students more individual attention in those areas (I counted 18 students in the 7th grade math class I visited, and the principal said they were keeping language arts class sizes under 25). The theory is that increasing kids' skills in math and language arts leads to improvements in social studies and science, the other core subjects. Apparently, the tradeoff is larger class sizes in social studies and science (I would guess around 35 in the classrooms I saw--no idea how that compares with class sizes in other middle schools in general). Math and language arts teachers are also offering afterschool "interventions" two days a week for students who are identified as needing additional help. The principal also mentioned interventions (tutoring) during the school day for students who need additional help. All parents and students at the school sign "contracts" agreeing to their responsibilities under the plan, including participating in the afterschool sessions if necessary.
The daily schedule (school begins at 7:15 and ends at 2:30) includes all the core subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts (Amy, the principal said language arts is a two-hour block because it encompasses two subjects, reading and writing). There is an elective "wheel" of four subjects: drama, art, PE, and technology. Students get three of those four subjects in 12-week sessions, and which three they get is decided for them based on schedules. So most kids will get only 12 weeks of PE, and some kids won't get it at all (no idea yet how that compares with PE options at other middle schools, but I find it disappointing). Music and foreign language are not offered, which also disappoints me. However, there is also another elective program that runs on Fridays only, where students get to choose from a long list of electives that meet once a week for 8 weeks. Students get the Friday elective program once per semester, so that's two 8-week sessions a year. I got only a quick look at the list of Firday electives, but they looked interesting.
Grant offers lots of afterschool sports, and although I forgot to ask about clubs and the like, the website says there are other afterschool activities. Two days a week there is a late bus that leaves at 4:15 for kids who participate in afterschool activities.
One encouraging thing is that Grant is starting an honors program this year for all core subjects. Students will be identified by teachers or can self-select to participate. The program will operate through differentiated instruction in the classroom and through differentiated homework. The principal showed me a letter that recently went home to parents of potential math "honors" students, which stated that students would work on additional material after they finish their regular work in class, as well as additional assignments, projects, presentations, analytically-focused writing, and investigations. The letter also says that "special times for thorough discussion" with the other honors math students will be arranged. Students and parents of students who want to participate will sign contracts agreeing to participate in the program and to do the additional work required. I think the honors program is a real step in the right direction for Grant in terms of attracting more kids from families in the neighborhood.
My sense is that there are good things happening at Grant. Grant has (finally) updated its website, so you can see more information there. The website is apparently still in progress; they intend to add more parent announcements and information, including a parent portal.
Grant has recently been designated a "beacon school" by DPS, which is apparently an effort to revamp itself as a "pre-collegiate middle school." Teachers and the principal had to come up with a plan to revitalize the school (some teachers chose not to be part of this effort and transferred to other schools). Part of the plan includes reducing class sizes for math and language arts to give students more individual attention in those areas (I counted 18 students in the 7th grade math class I visited, and the principal said they were keeping language arts class sizes under 25). The theory is that increasing kids' skills in math and language arts leads to improvements in social studies and science, the other core subjects. Apparently, the tradeoff is larger class sizes in social studies and science (I would guess around 35 in the classrooms I saw--no idea how that compares with class sizes in other middle schools in general). Math and language arts teachers are also offering afterschool "interventions" two days a week for students who are identified as needing additional help. The principal also mentioned interventions (tutoring) during the school day for students who need additional help. All parents and students at the school sign "contracts" agreeing to their responsibilities under the plan, including participating in the afterschool sessions if necessary.
The daily schedule (school begins at 7:15 and ends at 2:30) includes all the core subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts (Amy, the principal said language arts is a two-hour block because it encompasses two subjects, reading and writing). There is an elective "wheel" of four subjects: drama, art, PE, and technology. Students get three of those four subjects in 12-week sessions, and which three they get is decided for them based on schedules. So most kids will get only 12 weeks of PE, and some kids won't get it at all (no idea yet how that compares with PE options at other middle schools, but I find it disappointing). Music and foreign language are not offered, which also disappoints me. However, there is also another elective program that runs on Fridays only, where students get to choose from a long list of electives that meet once a week for 8 weeks. Students get the Friday elective program once per semester, so that's two 8-week sessions a year. I got only a quick look at the list of Firday electives, but they looked interesting.
Grant offers lots of afterschool sports, and although I forgot to ask about clubs and the like, the website says there are other afterschool activities. Two days a week there is a late bus that leaves at 4:15 for kids who participate in afterschool activities.
One encouraging thing is that Grant is starting an honors program this year for all core subjects. Students will be identified by teachers or can self-select to participate. The program will operate through differentiated instruction in the classroom and through differentiated homework. The principal showed me a letter that recently went home to parents of potential math "honors" students, which stated that students would work on additional material after they finish their regular work in class, as well as additional assignments, projects, presentations, analytically-focused writing, and investigations. The letter also says that "special times for thorough discussion" with the other honors math students will be arranged. Students and parents of students who want to participate will sign contracts agreeing to participate in the program and to do the additional work required. I think the honors program is a real step in the right direction for Grant in terms of attracting more kids from families in the neighborhood.
My sense is that there are good things happening at Grant. Grant has (finally) updated its website, so you can see more information there. The website is apparently still in progress; they intend to add more parent announcements and information, including a parent portal.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
School of Science and Technology
I called the school again today to see how things were progressing for next year and I got a luke warm response. There would be no information available about the middle school until January. As the choice program is in full swing by then it will make for quick decisions. Just thought I'd update you.
Amy
Amy
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
DSA Visitation Days
Denver School of the Arts has posted its Visitation Days for the 2007-08 school year. They do not offer the "shadow" program for incoming middle schoolers so the only way for a perspective middle schooler to get a feeling for DSA is to participate in their Visitation program. Sign up early, I've heard it fills up fast. Here is a link to the site describing the Visitation program.
http://dsa.dpsk12.org/stories/storyReader$2075
Amy
http://dsa.dpsk12.org/stories/storyReader$2075
Amy
Friday, June 22, 2007
Please help build this blog
I really would love to have other authors join this blog.
You don't have to write witty prose or even use punctuation but if you are researching DPS middle schools and have comments that you could share please join in!
Leave a comment on the blog and I'll get you set up.
You don't have to write witty prose or even use punctuation but if you are researching DPS middle schools and have comments that you could share please join in!
Leave a comment on the blog and I'll get you set up.
School of Science and Technology
I called over to the school today (they have a summer session and are therefore open right now) and I talked to the office manager. She told me that they are planning to open a middle school starting with 6th grade for the 2008-2009 school year. She had no other information but said that I should check back in late September.
The high school's admission process is described on their website (it is fairly involved) http://www.scienceandtech.org/ but there are open houses in Nov and Dec with applications due in January. They use a lottery system to pick their students. I assume the middle school application process might be similar.
The high school's admission process is described on their website (it is fairly involved) http://www.scienceandtech.org/ but there are open houses in Nov and Dec with applications due in January. They use a lottery system to pick their students. I assume the middle school application process might be similar.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Rumor has it - School of Science and Technology Middle school?
A neighbor who teaches at East High School tells me that the Science and Technology School is starting a middle school for the 2008-2009 school year.
PS1 Charter Visit - June 1, 2007
My impressions of PS1 Charter. http://ps1charterschool.org/
Facility/Safety
There seems to be one main entrance to the school that is on the corner of Delaware and 11th Ave. (very close to Speer). Parking on the side streets was relatively easy. The neighborhood is mixed, very urban feeling. Not scary busy but not quiet either. The building is full of character both inside and out. A renovated older building, it is quite striking. We visited on a day when school was in session but it was one of the last days of the term so there was a certain amount of chaos. We were greeted by a friendly secretary and toured the school with a neighbor who is a teacher at the school. This is by far the most colorful school I have visited thus far and I literally mean colorful, the walls are drenched with personality. Student projects are everywhere. There is no gym at the school nor are there specialized art/industrial ed/science classrooms. No cafeteria either. There was a computer lab. I should mention that as we left the school we were approached by a very friendly homeless man in search of spare change.
School make up
60 middle school kids with an addition 150 high schoolers – The middle school runs a traditional schedule and only has three teachers so students will work in a smaller environment. 30% of the students have IEPs. There are a limited number of electives because of the size of the school. Each student has an advisor who is actively involved in the student’s education plan. All students have an education plan that the student is very involved in writing.
Afterschool activities
There are a very limited number of afterschool activities.
General impression
This is a very different school and I’m not sure that I can do it justice on the page. I met with the principal (Liz) for some time and felt I had met the most passionate principal in DPS. Students at this school are encouraged to follow their own path and to create their own future. Many students take classes at Metro as part of their education. The school does service projects that involve trips out of the country. Students don’t just “go” on these trips, they actively plan and participate in the trips. Every step of the way I was given the impression that the students in this school would never “float” their way through school, with all the accountability they are held to it would be quite impossible. The students at this school were a bit more flamboyant than I’ve seen elsewhere. One student was so laden by chains that he quite resembled Jacob Marley. Another student moved through the school in her motorized wheelchair equipped with a computer she used for communication. Others were outrageously colorful. Students were friendly and greeted the teachers with respect mixed with a great deal of casual familiarity.
Note
This is a charter school that is up for renewal this fall. They have had trouble meeting the testing standards of DPS and could lose their charter in the fall. However, if they are extended it will be for another five years.
Follow up on Grant
I sent the following email to the principal at Grant Middle School the day of our visit. I didn't receive a response so I printed the email and sent it via snail mail. I still haven't received a response... It's June 20th today.
Dear Principal Martinez,
Sorry we missed you this morning but we did meet the Vice Principal and one of the special services teachers. They were both helpful in answering questions and showing us the school. I do have some further questions about Grant and was hoping you might be able to answer them for us when you get a chance.
What % of students from Grant go on to college prep programs that are offered at the DPS high schools? (such as honors at East, IB at GW, or the new college prep program at South)
Do you offer any foreign language classes?
What sort of electives are available for study during the day?
Is there after school programming that concentrates on keeping the students at the school until the dinner hour? How is that structured?
What is the plan for the HGT program?
It seemed that students had gym for part of the year but not all year long – is that correct? Can students elect to take gym all year?
Do the science classes do labwork?
What percentage of your students are HGT?
What percentage of your students are special ed?
It seemed that the schedule for the students required one double block of language arts while all other classes were a single block. What is the reasoning for the double block in one area?
We’ve heard good things about Grant from the Zarou family and know that many kids from McKinley Thatcher are attending or planning to attend Grant. Any help you can give me with the above questions would be great! Thanks for your time.
Thanks,
Amy
Dear Principal Martinez,
Sorry we missed you this morning but we did meet the Vice Principal and one of the special services teachers. They were both helpful in answering questions and showing us the school. I do have some further questions about Grant and was hoping you might be able to answer them for us when you get a chance.
What % of students from Grant go on to college prep programs that are offered at the DPS high schools? (such as honors at East, IB at GW, or the new college prep program at South)
Do you offer any foreign language classes?
What sort of electives are available for study during the day?
Is there after school programming that concentrates on keeping the students at the school until the dinner hour? How is that structured?
What is the plan for the HGT program?
It seemed that students had gym for part of the year but not all year long – is that correct? Can students elect to take gym all year?
Do the science classes do labwork?
What percentage of your students are HGT?
What percentage of your students are special ed?
It seemed that the schedule for the students required one double block of language arts while all other classes were a single block. What is the reasoning for the double block in one area?
We’ve heard good things about Grant from the Zarou family and know that many kids from McKinley Thatcher are attending or planning to attend Grant. Any help you can give me with the above questions would be great! Thanks for your time.
Thanks,
Amy
Grant Middle School Visit - May 3, 2007
My impressions of Grant. (no website)
Facility/Safety
There are several entrances to the school with only the one closest to the office unlocked. It is off of the front of the school, parking on the side streets is easy. The neighborhood is quiet, the street rather deserted. Not nearly has hopping as the Morey location is. This is a much more relaxing atmosphere. The school is at Mexico and Washington Streets about 8 blocks from McKinley. The building is clean and welcoming inside. We were greeted immediately by a friendly secretary. The principal was not available to meet with us and after five minutes of calling around we were greeted by the Vice Principal who is a younger woman and quite friendly. I got the impression that she was energetic and invested in the school, she introduced us to a special ed teacher who gave us a tour of the school. There isn’t a lot of color inside the school, some classwork posted outside the classrooms but all academic (nothing advertising after school clubs or demonstrating a school spirit.) The building and grounds look well maintained. They have two gyms in the basement. There aren’t extracurricular classrooms per se, I didn’t see evidence of advanced art equipment or an industrial ed shop. The library was very small but well stocked. There was a small full auditorium and a decent looking cafeteria. Classrooms were more closed off and I didn’t see any full science labs. There were at least two computer labs one with Apple equipment and the other with PC equipment. Neither were in use, although the apples in the library were in use.
School make up
360 kids - All traditional students – classes are run on a traditional schedule – 60 minutes for every subject except for language arts which is a double block of 120 minutes. I did confirm that that is a solid schedule – the only double block is language arts and that is required for all students. All students switch classes and teachers for all subjects, a student will have at least 6 different teachers with a homeroom teacher added starting next year. Gym is part of the elective wheel so 6th graders only have gym for 12 weeks of the year, 7th and 8th graders have gym for 9 weeks of the year. I got the impression that this is not negotiable. There rest of the “wheel” schedule includes art & drama. No one could answer my questions about HGT students. They have electives but I didn’t get a clear picture of how electives work or what they are. There are 3 special ed teachers assigned to the general population with 2 others assigned to closed programs within the school. (one classroom with students with emotional issues) (another classroom with special ed students who can’t be mainstreamed.)
Afterschool activities
Morey has organized sports programs in flag football, baseball, soccer, basketball, softball, cross country, and volleyball. They have after school programs that go until 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I need to ask more questions about afterschool programs and how they work because I didn’t get a clear impression – I don’t think they are dedicated to keeping the kids at the school until 5pm every day.
General impression
When we were waiting for our tour to start we waited in the teachers lounge. There were flip chart pages on the walls that told a lot about the revamping that is going on at the school. There was a focus on improving academic achievement along with an emphasis on discipline with a phrase about getting the “Bullying” under control. We didn’t spend much time in classrooms but the classrooms I did see were a little on the disorganized side as if teachers were still establishing what the structure was supposed to be in the classroom. I saw many students who were not engaged but rather had that “marking time” look that middle schoolers get so easily. When we walked through the library the librarian was sitting at an elevated desk quite apart from the students who were working on the computers. I saw some web surfing and some obvious playing around by students on the computers. The librarian was not actively involved with the students. Now I don't know what was supposed to be happening maybe this was "free time."
A strange incident... As we left the school and were walking back to the car, a book came flying out of a second story window. There were three other books already out on the sidewalk and in the street. My sense is that the administration has quite a haul ahead of them in turning this school around.
I still have a lot of questions that the special ed teacher couldn’t answer so I plan to email the principal with those questions. But I’m afraid that my first impression was not a very good one. I think high performing confident kids who were up for a challenge might be interested in helping this school turn around. I think struggling or a student who prefers to follow might get lost here.
Facility/Safety
There are several entrances to the school with only the one closest to the office unlocked. It is off of the front of the school, parking on the side streets is easy. The neighborhood is quiet, the street rather deserted. Not nearly has hopping as the Morey location is. This is a much more relaxing atmosphere. The school is at Mexico and Washington Streets about 8 blocks from McKinley. The building is clean and welcoming inside. We were greeted immediately by a friendly secretary. The principal was not available to meet with us and after five minutes of calling around we were greeted by the Vice Principal who is a younger woman and quite friendly. I got the impression that she was energetic and invested in the school, she introduced us to a special ed teacher who gave us a tour of the school. There isn’t a lot of color inside the school, some classwork posted outside the classrooms but all academic (nothing advertising after school clubs or demonstrating a school spirit.) The building and grounds look well maintained. They have two gyms in the basement. There aren’t extracurricular classrooms per se, I didn’t see evidence of advanced art equipment or an industrial ed shop. The library was very small but well stocked. There was a small full auditorium and a decent looking cafeteria. Classrooms were more closed off and I didn’t see any full science labs. There were at least two computer labs one with Apple equipment and the other with PC equipment. Neither were in use, although the apples in the library were in use.
School make up
360 kids - All traditional students – classes are run on a traditional schedule – 60 minutes for every subject except for language arts which is a double block of 120 minutes. I did confirm that that is a solid schedule – the only double block is language arts and that is required for all students. All students switch classes and teachers for all subjects, a student will have at least 6 different teachers with a homeroom teacher added starting next year. Gym is part of the elective wheel so 6th graders only have gym for 12 weeks of the year, 7th and 8th graders have gym for 9 weeks of the year. I got the impression that this is not negotiable. There rest of the “wheel” schedule includes art & drama. No one could answer my questions about HGT students. They have electives but I didn’t get a clear picture of how electives work or what they are. There are 3 special ed teachers assigned to the general population with 2 others assigned to closed programs within the school. (one classroom with students with emotional issues) (another classroom with special ed students who can’t be mainstreamed.)
Afterschool activities
Morey has organized sports programs in flag football, baseball, soccer, basketball, softball, cross country, and volleyball. They have after school programs that go until 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I need to ask more questions about afterschool programs and how they work because I didn’t get a clear impression – I don’t think they are dedicated to keeping the kids at the school until 5pm every day.
General impression
When we were waiting for our tour to start we waited in the teachers lounge. There were flip chart pages on the walls that told a lot about the revamping that is going on at the school. There was a focus on improving academic achievement along with an emphasis on discipline with a phrase about getting the “Bullying” under control. We didn’t spend much time in classrooms but the classrooms I did see were a little on the disorganized side as if teachers were still establishing what the structure was supposed to be in the classroom. I saw many students who were not engaged but rather had that “marking time” look that middle schoolers get so easily. When we walked through the library the librarian was sitting at an elevated desk quite apart from the students who were working on the computers. I saw some web surfing and some obvious playing around by students on the computers. The librarian was not actively involved with the students. Now I don't know what was supposed to be happening maybe this was "free time."
A strange incident... As we left the school and were walking back to the car, a book came flying out of a second story window. There were three other books already out on the sidewalk and in the street. My sense is that the administration has quite a haul ahead of them in turning this school around.
I still have a lot of questions that the special ed teacher couldn’t answer so I plan to email the principal with those questions. But I’m afraid that my first impression was not a very good one. I think high performing confident kids who were up for a challenge might be interested in helping this school turn around. I think struggling or a student who prefers to follow might get lost here.
Email from GT Dept about middle schools
Amy,
Morey is the only Highly Gifted Magnet Middle School in DPS; however, there are some other excellent middle schools that may suit your child. There is Denver School of the Arts (DSA), the Denver Center for International Studies (CIS), Hamilton’s IB Program and several middle schools throughout Denver offer honors and advanced programs and classed (Merrill, Hill, Henry). I would visit these schools early next year (with your son) and pick the school that best suits him. Luckily, you have a lot of great options! If you would like, I can tell you more about each school to help you with your decision.
Laurie Eaton
Gifted and Talented Dept.
Middle School Specialist
Morey is the only Highly Gifted Magnet Middle School in DPS; however, there are some other excellent middle schools that may suit your child. There is Denver School of the Arts (DSA), the Denver Center for International Studies (CIS), Hamilton’s IB Program and several middle schools throughout Denver offer honors and advanced programs and classed (Merrill, Hill, Henry). I would visit these schools early next year (with your son) and pick the school that best suits him. Luckily, you have a lot of great options! If you would like, I can tell you more about each school to help you with your decision.
Laurie Eaton
Gifted and Talented Dept.
Middle School Specialist
Morey Middle School Tour - April 24, 2007
My impressions of Morey http://morey.dpsk12.org/
Facility/Safety
There are several entrances to the school with only the one closest to the office unlocked. It is off of the parking lot which was full, parking near the school is difficult, the school is directly east of St John’s Episcopal Church. The building is clean if not a bit stark inside. There isn’t a lot of color inside the school, no posters advertising this activity or that activity but the halls are neat and the building looks well maintained. They have two gyms and a swimming pool. There is a full industrial ed shop that caught Henry’s attention. The library was nice, large, inviting, and well stocked. There was a full auditorium, decent looking cafeteria and fairly nice grounds (it was raining cats and dogs so I didn’t get a good look) Classrooms seemed open and spacious with decent equipment. There were at least two computer labs filled with Apple equipment.
School make up
750 kids – One third HGT, One third High Strides, and one third Traditional students – classes are run on a “block schedule” so instead of changing classes every 45 minutes kids change classes every 90 minutes. 6th graders have the same teacher for language arts and social studies and then another teacher that covers math and science. Gym is mandatory for 6th graders but becomes an elective after that. There is a “wheel” class that includes one quarter art, one quarter music, and two other quarters that I missed. HGT students stay with HGT for the core curriculum (science, math, language arts, social studies) and mix with the rest of the school for wheel classes, gym, and lunch. Currently, HGT kids stay with the same kids for all core curriculum classes even though the teacher changes. As the whole school goes to block scheduling the kids might mix a bit more within the core curriculum. They have Spanish and French electives along with some others but I didn’t get a clear picture of how electives work. There is a special ed teacher assigned to the HGT program for twice exceptional students and there are additional special ed teachers assigned to each grade. Most of the kids who attend Morey’s HGT program go on to East High school to attend the honors programs or they go on to the IB program at GW.
Afterschool activities
Morey has organized sports programs in football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. They have a foreign language, drama, yearbook, stepping, Destination Imagination, film, swim, and casual sports clubs after school. I think there are more afterschool groups but that was what I caught. There is the opportunity to be at school afterschool every day until 5pm or later.
General impression
Walking into the school was a tad intimidating because this is definitely not elementary school. No cute kindergartens to smile at. The students fill the halls with their energy. The office folks were welcoming and every teacher we met was very friendly and talkative. I have to say that I was impressed by the HGT classrooms and I think Henry was also. They use the DPS curriculum but take it a step further incorporating special projects and themes that complement the basic material. We listened in on a social studies classroom that was having a discussion about climbing Mt Everest and a science classroom that was preparing for a competition on supplying clean water to a community. There were quite a few male teachers and every classroom we looked in was under control and working. The students seemed pretty engaged, dress and behavior seemed to be pretty moderate while you could still tell they were middle schoolers.
Searching for a middle school
In the past few months I've talked with a lot of people about our search for a good middle school for our family. At this point we are predominantly searching for a school for Henry who is going into 5th grade a McKinley Thatcher Elem in DPS. At the same time we would like to find a school that will work for our other two children as well since the kids time in middle school will overlap to some extent.
I wanted to put together this blog to document some of our searching and thoughts on middle schools in DPS and I'm hoping there will be other contributors to add to the information.
I wanted to put together this blog to document some of our searching and thoughts on middle schools in DPS and I'm hoping there will be other contributors to add to the information.
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