Denver Public Schools



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Anniversary of September 11th -

Script for a Moment of Silence (Back)

(Note: All, or portions, of the following text may be read as part of a moment of silence.)

Please stand for a moment of silence and respect.

This week, our community, our nation, and our world are focused on remembering the tragedy and honoring the victims of September 11th. One year ago this week, we stood stunned. No words could express the horror and tremendous grief each of us felt as we witnessed unthinkable acts of terrorism within the borders of this glorious land.

We have mourned the tragic loss of lives, but we will never forget.

Please join me in a moment of silence to remember:

• The innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in the plane crash in Pennsylvania, at the Pentagon, in the World Trade Center, and on the streets of New York City.

• The heroic firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and rescuers who lost their lives while saving the lives of thousands, and who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom and serving our democracy.

• The thousands of family and friends who lost loved ones and this week relive that grief and horror that will be with them forever.

SILENCE

Over the past year, Americans have emerged a stronger, more resilient and compassionate people. We have reached out to the injured and continued to support those in need. Our children have learned the true meaning of the word hero and a renewed sense of patriotism has swept our nation. We know that against all odds, the tenacity, generosity and spirit of the American people will triumph.

Today, as we remember those who have fallen, let us reaffirm our resolve that no life lost in the September 11th attacks or in our war on terrorism be lost in vain. As we did one year ago, let us again send a message to the world. We, the people of the United States of America, still stand united as a community and a nation celebrating democracy in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you. Please remain standing for our National Anthem.

(BAND PLAY NATIONAL ANTHEM)

Anniversary of September 11th –

Tips for Personal Coping (Back)

Not all anniversaries bring about fond memories and celebration. Such is the case for anniversary dates of a tragedy or painful loss, as in the September 11th terrorist attacks that stunned our nation. Throughout the year, this event has impacted lives in terms of military action, recovery efforts, airport security, threats of future attacks and financial fall-out. As the one-year marker approaches, the horrors of that day will come to the forefront of our attention. Heightened media coverage has already begun and will continue to serve as a vivid reminder via re-plays and remembrances. While we can’t make the memories and sad feelings disappear, there are some ways we can prepare and cope during this painful time.

“Anniversary reactions” can begin days or weeks before the actual date, and may include anxiety and depression, fatigue, anger and irritability, poor focus and concentration, disturbed sleep and nightmares, and even physical illness. While these reactions may be quite unsettling, they are a normal part of the healing process and tend to lessen in intensity over time.

Plan ahead and take care of yourself during this time. Do not expect to be at your best, and remember that others around you may also be struggling. Here are some suggestions to assist in coping:

• Talk about how you feel and be willing to listen to others.

• Spend time with supportive, understanding people.

• Get plenty of rest; eat nutritiously; exercise.

• Avoid overuse of alcohol and drugs.

• Stay active and structure your time.

• Consider if participation in a community memorial would be helpful.

• Take time to acknowledge the value in your life – the people and experiences that enrich your world.

When reminded of a trauma, we often feel out of control and vulnerable. Remember what you can control on a daily basis and make positive choices about how you live your life. Healing is a process, and each anniversary date will bring both pain and strength to the survivors.

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Aug. 27, 2002

Area Superintendents

The Northeast area office has moved to Randolph Middle School, 3955 Steele St., Room C117, Denver, 80205. Phone numbers remain the same for now.

Curriculum Office

Science Opportunities

Look for fliers coming to your school soon detailing professional development opportunities for science teachers and middle school girls. If you have questions, please call Estevan Duran, Science Coordinator, 303-764-3395 or e-mail him at estevan_duran@.

 

Elementary Principals' Mathematics Meeting

Elementary Principals: Please remember to attend the elementary principals' meeting focused on implementation of our district's elementary mathematics program. The meeting will be:

 

Thursday, Sept. 5

7:30 a.m.-10:00/10:30 a.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

303-388-4678

Breakfast will be provided.

 

School Community Partnership

The DPS Office of Educating for Character has been established with the support of the Rose Community Foundation. Charles Elbot, former principal of Slavens School, is serving as its director. He will support individual school communities in their development of a process for Educating Students in Character.

Character Education was formally launched in DPS with ten pilot schools in 1998, with an additional 12 schools joining in 2001. This is not a program, but rather a process of developing students of caring character that is deeply embedded in the daily life of the school community.

letter of interest to Charles Elbot by October 1, 2002. In your letter, note the level of staff and community support you have for participating in character education efforts. Several schools will be selected to begin involvement in educating students for character this fall. Charles may be contacted at charles_elbot@ or at 303-764-3368.

Sincerely,

Darlene LeDoux, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent

Community Partnership, continued

If you are interested in having your school participate in the new phase of this work, please write a letter of interest to Charles Elbot by Oct. 1, 2002. In your letter, note the level of staff and community support you have for participating in character education efforts. Several schools will be selected to begin involvement in educating students for character this fall. Charles may be contacted at charles_elbot@ or at 303-764-3368.

Department of English Language Acquisition

The ELA department would like to commend all of the returning and new DPS ELA teachers who either completed all 150 hours of ELA Module training this summer or are well on their way to completing them!

Can you believe these numbers?

• 206 teachers completed the 150 hour training requirement

1. 334 teachers took DPS took summer modules

2. A total of 20,227.5 summer module hours were completed

Way to go ELA Teachers! Your commitment to helping our English Language Learners in Denver Public Schools is awesome! Principals keep your eyes out for a report of your ELA teachers’ qualifications arriving soon via school mail.

September 11 Remembrance

As Sept. 11 approaches, schools will want to think about remembrances that are appropriate for students and staff.

• The Denver Bar Association has volunteer attorneys who are available to come to DPS schools to assist in addressing topics in elementary, middle and high school classrooms and assemblies related to 9/11 and values of American democracy.

• The Bar Association can also assist high schools in developing a Dialogue on Freedom program, the fabulously successful program starting by Justice Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court in response to 9/11. For further information or assistance, please call Gilberto Muñoz, Social Studies Coordinator, at 303.764.3632 or e-mail him at gilberto_munoz@.

• Attached below is a script for a moment of silence and tips on coping. In addition, you may want to check the following web sites for excellent resources for students, staff and parents. National Association of Elementary School Principals:

National School Public Relations Association:



• The most common type of injury to school staff is slips and falls. Many of these injuries can be avoided if caution is taken. Some tips to share with staff: Do not walk with your view blocked by items being carried. Do not walk while engaged in a conversation a cell phone or radio. Wear the correct shoes when walking on ice or snow. Use the step stools available in each school to reach overhead; do not use chairs or desks as step stools.

Any water on the floor should be cleaned up quickly but marked with a "Wet floor" sign immediately. These signs should be kept around the main entrance doors so that the signs can be put out if the weather is wet outside.

On August 16, the Superintendent sent a memo to all principals with an attached letter from the Denver Fire Department (DFD explaining the requirements for the display of artwork and teaching materials on school walls. Please make sure you are familiar with the requirements in this letter.

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• On August 16, the Superintendent sent a memo to all Principals with an attached letter from the Denver Fire Department (DFD). This DFD letter explained the requirements for the display of artwork and teaching materials on school walls. Make sure you are familiar with the requirements in this letter.

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Risk Management

• The most common type of injury to school staff is slips and falls. Many of these injuries can be avoided if caution is taken. Some tips to share with staff: Do not walk with your view blocked by items being carried. Do not walk while engaged in a conversation on a cell phone or radio. Wear the correct shoes when walking on ice or snow. Use the step stools available in each school to reach overhead; do not use chairs or desks as step stools.

• Any water on the floor should be cleaned up quickly but marked with a "Wet floor" sign immediately. These signs should be kept around the main entrance doors so that the signs can be put out if the weather is wet outside.

• On Aug. 16, the Superintendent sent a memo to all principals with an attached letter from the Denver Fire Department explaining the requirements for the display of artwork and teaching materials on school walls. Please make sure you are familiar with the requirements in this letter.

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