Northwest Neighborhood Middle Schools Now

Why I am Going to Skinner

2012-02-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Mason's future self in clay

Hey, my name is Mason and I’m in 5th grade at Brown Elementary. Next year I am going to Skinner, Skinner Scorpions! I’m looking forward to all the sports activities. My mom is excited about College 4 Y.O.U. I know a lot of my friends will be at Skinner too. I also like making new friends, so that’s cool. I’m excited about the school clubs and that I will finally have a locker.

When I shadowed at Skinner, I got to tour the school. I went to a math class and language arts class, the teachers were nice. I really like the library, it is huge and looks really cool. Also, everyone gets to work on computers. There is music and arts, I really like art. I have been a serious artist for 4 years so I look forward to making art at Skinner too.

I’m a little nervous about middle school, maybe you are too. But I think it’s going to be fun!

Science fuels passion

2012-02-08T17:56:00.007-07:00

By Ellyn, 8th grader

I am passionate about helping the environment, so for my science project I tested the amount of bio-gas that different types of biomass produce. In other words, I built several bio-gas generators and tested which of the following types of biomass or potential energy sources: chicken manure, cow manure, potato peelings and apple chunks.

After placing in my school’s science fair, I went to the Denver Public Schools Science Fair on January 28. The science fair was at the Denver Zoo and I had a lot of fun. The judges all had science backgrounds, so they understood the projects and were able to ask good questions. After presenting my project, I was able to walk around the zoo, which was much more fun than waiting in a conference room. The awards ceremony was filled with anticipation as zoo staff announced the top three projects in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grade competitions.

I ended up placing in the DPS Science Fair, and now I am preparing for the Metro Science Fair in February. This next competition includes students out of Denver Public Schools, so I will get a taste for some new projects. Needless to say, I am very excited to move on in the competition. Even if I don’t end up moving into the next round, I had a great time participating in the science fair.

Free food and fun at Skinner Family Night February 9th

2012-02-02T06:33:00.003-07:00

Skinner Middle School staff, students, families and community members will get together for a pasta pot luck, salsa contest and family dance on Thursday, February 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria and west gym. The event is free – just bring a pasta dish to share and some homemade salsa to enter in our Best Salsa contest.

Northwest Denver's school board member Arturo Jimenez, Senator Lucia Guzman and Representative Dan Pabon will be on hand to judge the salsa making contest. Contestants will also vote on their favorite salsa and prizes will be awarded.

There will be a great family-friendly D.J. on hand to keep everyone moving to the beat.

So come visit Skinner for a fun, free pasta dinner, salsa contest and family dance. You'll be able to see for yourself the welcoming community we have in Northwest Denver's great middle school.

Math Team = Exponential Fun

2012-01-31T20:11:00.005-07:00

At Skinner Middle School, one of the best ways for Skinner Scholars to enhance their math skills and critical thinking is to join the growing, competitive Math Team. The Math Team, comprised of 15 students from all skill levels and led by coaches Brad Smith and Sarah Poellot, gathers weekly to tackle challenging high school level math and a variety of thought-provoking team problems. These fun yet rigorous training sessions prepare the Mathletes for Mathletic tournaments during the year. Seventh grader Hugo Burciaga reported, "The practices and competition were challenging, but I had a lot of fun!"

The team just wrapped up a successful regular season of Mathletics competitions for the 2011-2012 school year. At the November competition held at TreVista, Skinner 8th grader Olivia Friedman brought home 1st place. The second competition, hosted by Skinner in January, brought more accolades to the Skinner Mathletes as they competed against TreVista, Centennial, and Kepner. Both the 6th grade and the 7th/8th grade teams finished 2nd place. Individual highlights included: Olivia Friedman defended her 1st place crown to secure an undefeated season, and Mia Leff received 3rd place in the 6th grade competition.

Now that the Mathletic regular season competitions are over for the year, the Mathletes will take on two challenging projects: the MathCounts District Competition, and building a robot. The MathCounts competition, February 11 at the University of Denver, will feature the top 4 Skinner Mathletes competing against top Mathletes from across Denver Public Schools. To end the year, all Skinner Mathletes will build the Skinner Math Team robot. The students will use robotics materials from Edventures to create a robot that will be programmed to complete a variety of tasks. Coach Smith noted that he hopes this activity will lay the groundwork for Skinner Mathletes to take part in robotics competitions and other engineering related projects.

One of last year’s Mathletes summed up the Skinner Math Team experience best by saying, "Joining math team was one of the best things I’ve done my whole middle school life. I gained friends, more knowledge and of course winning first place didn’t hurt either." Go Math Team!

Why I am going to Skinner

2012-01-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

By Melina
I am a fifth grader at Edison, and I am excited that I will get to go to Skinner next year. One thing I am so excited about is the fun 7th grade math teacher. He is cool and awesome. He knows when you are just guessing and when you know what you're talking about. Also, he is the soccer coach.

A few things I am looking for in a school are language, nice teachers and technology. Skinner has 3 computer labs with Apple computers and Windows. There are many nice teachers and they have Spanish courses.

Another thing is all the sports and after school programs. I am excited to be on another soccer team. Also, I want to do activities such as cross country, volleyball and more. I love the fact that they have a Neighborhood Center. Many other schools don’t have that. The Neighborhood Center is where most of the after care is located. There are amazing after school courses like Sports, Tutoring/Homework Help, Cooking and College 4 Y.O.U.

Also, I know lots of people there and the environment is warm and friendly. People are polite and friendly, and just as normal as other schools. I wouldn’t change anything about Skinner. It’s a wonderful and good school. It offers academics, after school programs, sports and much more. That is all a kid could ask for.

Published Poets at Skinner

2012-01-25T14:48:00.006-07:00

"Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn," as famous 18th century English poet Thomas Gray once wrote.

Turns out that Skinner students know quite a bit about writing breathing, burning poems – 24 6th grade poets will have their poems exploring personification published in A Celebration of Poets published by Creative Communication. These students are in the running for the competition's "Top Ten" awards.

"We would like to congratulate you and your teaching efforts," wrote assistant editor Shannon Hernandez to Skinner language arts teacher Jessica Goebel. "Clearly your students have a great talent for writing poetry but the teacher is the one who helps bring that talent to the surface."

Consider this poem, written by 6th grader Avery Ahern:

The Rainstorm

A steady drum roll I hear

as your army chases the horizon

throwing a gray blanket over the world.

When you approach,

you unleash the fury of your crackling whip

and shower me in a thousand wet kisses,

which I return to you with a kiss of my own.

A welcome gift.

A goodbye present.

For soon you move on,

sharing your show with others

while the frightened sun curiously peeks out

from behind your gray clouds

boldly casting golden rays of light through the fading raindrops

creating a beautiful display of vivid colors;

peace

after your thrilling performance

We are so proud of Avery and all the Skinner poets – and are grateful for outstanding Skinner teachers like Ms. Goebel! Stay tuned for more information about our poets and the contest. For more information, please visit www.poeticpower.com.

Fun for kids and adults at the Neighborhood Center

2012-01-11T14:16:00.002-07:00

Did you know Skinner's Neighborhood Center hosts educational and fun activities for kids, parents and the community – and they're all free? Starting this week Skinner students can stay after school from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. for:

Robotics, Rocketry & Wrestling
Sports (Wednesdays)
Tutoring/Homework Help (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)
Teen Ambassadors (Mondays & Wednesdays)
Scorpion Splash Swimming (Tuesdays)
College 4 YOU (Fridays & some Saturdays)

Adult, community and family programming includes:

Intro to computer software (Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
Quick Fix Family Cooking (Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., starting 1/19)
Water Aerobics (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
Community Basketball (Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
Mexican Folklore Music (Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Adult E.S.L (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - noon)

Come enjoy what Skinner has to offer at the Neighborhood Center! For details, please call Sandy Baca-Sandoval at 720-424-1475 or Brittnee Kidder-Davis at 720-424-1435.

Skinner Open House: This Thursday 6-7:30 p.m.

2012-01-09T13:59:00.003-07:00

Come visit the school that's everyone in the neighborhood has been talking about!

This Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Skinner will host an Open House for all students and families interested in a well rounded middle school experience in Northwest Denver.

Students and staff will lead tours and discuss everything the school has to offer, including:

DOUBLE-DIGIT gains in 2011 CSAP scores
Excellent school leadership
Environment and structure that supports academic success
Honors course options for all grades
Customized learning plans
Peer support in learning families
Art, guitar, band, orchestra, drama and P.E.
Three state-of-the-art computer labs
Spanish, advanced and beginning
Friday enrichment electives
Free after-school academics and social clubs
Sports teams, including boys' baseball, basketball, soccer...girls softball, volleyball, basketball and co-ed cross country, flag football and tackle football

There are a lot great things happening at Skinner...if you have a 4th or 5th grader, come check it out. This is the neighborhood middle school you've always wanted!

Skinner students learn about pine beetle problem in Keystone

2012-01-07T10:30:00.002-07:00

Skinner Middle School 6th graders embarked on a three-day experience of epic proportions in December. Seventy students lugged enormous bags on to our busses to begin a learning adventure at Keystone Science School.

The focus of this trip was to investigate the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic that is devastating the higher elevations of not only Colorado, but most alpine regions of North America.

As scientists, the students prepared themselves with background information on the insect and the challenges it is presenting to the resident stakeholders. While at Keystone, we learned even more about all of the stakeholders and the beetle’s impacts and wrapped up our visit with a town hall meeting during which students role played as stakeholders to discuss possible solutions that would satisfy all involved parties.

An annual field trip, the scope of the Keystone Science School experience was not only limited to science but also allowed students to gain new responsibilities, meet new friends and experience things that will create a lifetime of memories.

- Christopher Martin, Skinner 6^th grade Science teacher

Family Science Night on Tuesday

2011-12-09T12:05:00.003-07:00

Join science scholars at Skinner for Family Science Night this Tuesday, December 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Students will share and discuss their science projects – and there will be live critters, experiments and much, much more.

We'll be in downstairs in the cafeteria...hope to see you then!

Family Science Night
Tues, 12/13, 5:30 - 7 pm
Skinner Middle School Cafeteria

Join us Dec. 14 for Drama! Music!! Art!!!

2011-12-05T16:45:00.004-07:00

Skinner student actors, musicians and artists will thrill and move you at Skinner Arts Night on Wednesday, December 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Drama performances will include the plays Check Please and How to Survive in Middle School Without Really Trying, a comical play about the awkward pre-teen years. Sixth grade guitar classes will perform and there will be a visual arts exhibition for all to enjoy before and after performances.

You won't want to miss this entertaining evening – you will be impressed with the artistry of Skinner students. Hope to see you at Skinner – 3435 W. 40th St. – on the 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Skinner Service Learning: Mount St. Vincent Giving Tree

2011-11-29T15:08:00.005-07:00

The Neighborhood Center's Teen Ambassador group has worked for two weeks to set up a Giving Tree for the abused and neglected students at Mount Saint Vincent Home (http://www.msvhome.org/) just a few blocks from our school.

The Giving Tree – located in the main office at Skinner – has one ornament per Mount Vincent child identifying needs and wants for gifts. We are asking members of the Skinner community to donate a personalized gift for children in need of a joyful holiday. Please stop by the office to look over the ornaments and see what you can do to help these children.

All gifts must be returned with the ornament to the main office no later than Wednesday December 14th 2011. Please take an ornament ONLY if you are able to donate a gift. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Heather Maloney at heather_maloney@dpsk12.org or at 720-424-1450. Please forward this information to anyone you think may be interested in participating.

On behalf of Mount Saint Vincent Home and the Teen Ambassadors of Skinner Middle School, THANK YOU!

Pasquini's: MUST TAKE FLYER FOR 20% DONATION

2011-11-27T16:40:00.001-07:00

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE FLYER FOR THE PASQUINI'S DEAL TO DONATE 20% OF YOUR BILL TO SKINNER ON WEDNESDAY OR GO TO http://skinner.dpsk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Pasquinis-Skinner.pdf

Yes, it's true: Pasquini's will donate 20% of their proceeds of Skinner-related sales from the entire day as long as you bring a flyer with you. Lunch, dinner, take-out, delivery and gift cards all apply! If you can't make it, have a friend purchase a gift card for you.

Pasquini's is located on the corner of 32nd and Zuni. www.pasquinis.com It's a family-friendly, neighborhood pizzeria with fresh American Italian food, addictively wonderful breadsticks and the best good-value Italian wine list in town. Known for craveable meatball subs and many savory vegetarian options, Pasquini’s really hits the spot with the best pizza and best lasagna in Denver.

Ask your neighbors, friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal and support Skinner on Wednesday, November 30th!

Thankful for Skinner's Excellent Program

2011-11-24T11:25:00.005-07:00

DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg and several members of his staff visited Skinner last week to chat with students about their experiences at Skinner. Representing all three grades – 6th, 7th and 8th – these kids made it clear they are thankful for Skinner's excellent academic program:

Academic Classes

I like that Skinner identified me quickly as being advanced and I was put in 7th grade honors math.

-Hannah Murrell, 6th grader

I like Honors Math and I'm really looking forward to Geometry next year.

-Dominique Maes, 7th grader

Student-led Conferences

I really like how conferences are student-led. They make me more responsible about my learning and I'm a lot more confident in myself and my plan at Skinner.

-Xiasia Song, 6th grader

I like the student-led conferences because they make me feel like a grown-up.

-Elijah Perez, 8th grader

Learning Families

I like the learning families because we're reading a book together and we're also trying to get plastic bags banned. Learning family really helps me prepare for my day.

-Ellen Spetnagle, 8th grader

College Planning

I'm in College 4 Y.O.U. (Neighborhood Center program) and it's really helping me think about my future.

-Ramiro Godina Rodriguez, 8th grader

The only gripe? This came from 7th grader Cierra Montoya: "I’d like more healthy lunches and more veggies." Hard to argue with that!

Wow, Skinner students are focused on achievement and their future...and Superintendent Boasberg walked away impressed with Skinner scholars! What's not to love about Skinner? We're all grateful on this Thanksgiving 2011 that Skinner is the excellent middle school choice for Northwest Denver.

Pasquini's Skinner Day: Nov. 30

2011-11-21T08:41:00.004-07:00

You know you'll be sick of turkey by a week from Wednesday...

Pasquini's will donate 20% of their proceeds of Skinner-related sales from the entire day. You MUST mention "Skinner." Lunch, dinner, take-out, delivery and gift cards all apply! If you can't make it, have a friend purchase a gift card for you.

Ask your neighbors, friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal and support Skinner on Wednesday, November 30th!

Skinner Fall Festival was fun for all

2011-10-09T20:21:00.005-06:00

For all of you who attended Skinner's 2nd annual Fall Festival and Community Day, thank you for coming out. Despite the wet, cold weather, we had a great turnout.

The PTA's goal for the Fall Festival was provide an opportunity to come together as a Skinner Community. Many of our current families participated in organizing and assisting with the many different booths. Participants enjoyed the Chili and Salsa contests, holding and viewing reptiles, making crafts, to bobbing for apples. Fun was enjoyed by all, especially at the pie throwing booth!

The 6th and 7th grade music students made their debut, performing four songs on guitar. We look forward to their future performances with the band and orchestra instruments.

Throughout the day parents and children had the opportunity to interact with current and future Skinner families. We look forward to having the 4th and 5th grade students and parents we met tour and shadow during the upcoming weeks.

Local non-profits, local businesses, our Skinner Neighborhood Center, Skinner Families, students and staff all made the day a success. We look forward to growing this event started by our PTA in the years to come.

NOW Supports Skinner, Not School Board Candidates (or their billboards)

2011-10-06T14:15:00.003-06:00

A recent school board candidate billboard at Speer/Federal Boulevard has resulted in several inquiries if the NOW organization is endorsing a specific candidate. The answer is no.

While our demanding ways resulted in our catchy abbreviated name 'NOW', the organization is NOT using that recognition to endorse a candidate, nor did we give permission for the implication to be made. NOW is fully focused on supporting Skinner Middle school as a strong and growing neighborhood school. We still work on behalf of the very large number of parents and community members in northwest Denver who signed our 2010 petition to support a strong, socioeconomically diverse neighborhood middle school that would provide strong core academics and a range of support courses for kids in grades 6-8.

Any political endorsement would not appropriately represent the varied petitioners and NOW blog members. We pursue our mission and that is where we put our volunteer efforts. Individuals and blog members pursue politics and support candidates separate from NOW.

There is so much to say about education in northwest Denver...and so many ways to say it or show it! If you are able, we invite you to focus your energy and support directly on students and our neighborhood schools. Why not spread the word of Skinner's hard earned rising scores, fantastic teachers and growing number of students. Take a stand for your neighborhood middle school!

Join us to celebrate THIS SATURDAY at the Skinner Community Fall Festival (10 AM to 3 PM at Skinner); just click on the invite above for details.

There will be food, fun, students, teachers and community.

Skinner softball team makes the playoffs!

2011-10-03T18:35:00.002-06:00

The Skinner girls' softball team finished off their regular season with a dominant victory over Centennial K-8 last Thursday. The Skinner Scorpions put in a solid team effort with excellent defense and superb offense.

Not only did we make the playoffs, we're #1 in our division and we scored a first round bye! Next up for the softball team is a home playoff game this Tuesday, October 4th.

Come root for your Skinner Softball Scorpions as they begin their playoff run!

Skinner gets the GREEN light in academics!

2011-09-26T10:26:00.004-06:00

Yesterday's Denver Post put Skinner Middle School in the spotlight – the school jumped TWO levels in DPS' School Performance Framework (SPF) evaluation measuring academic achievement, growth, engagement and parent satisfaction. Skinner is now a "green" school.

"It's gratifying that our team's vision for an well-rounded, excellent education at Skinner is coming to fruition," said Principal Michelle Koyama. "The combination of maintaining a laser-like focus on academic achievement, developing close teacher-student relationships, creating a positive school culture and offering a variety of arts and athletics for whole-child development is really paying off ."

Skinner made significant gains in growth measures for reading writing and math which contributed to the green rating. It takes two years of positive data results of make an impact on the SPF and this growth measure rating demonstrates the Skinner staff is making gains in student achievement for all students.

"I am so pleased my husband and I decided Skinner would be a great choice for our 6th grade daughter Sarah,this year." said Jenny Davies-Schley, a new Skinner parent. "Coming from Polaris at Ebert, she is challenged academically and is excited that she has a similar level of arts instruction. Best of all, she's making new friends and feels totally comfortable, even with the 'big kids' she plays with on the softball team."

Make no mistake...Skinner is the great neighborhood school you've been hoping for!

You're Invited! September 22 at 7 pm

2011-09-19T19:56:00.000-06:00

Please join us for a parent meeting to learn more about Skinner Middle School

Wine, Cheese & Dessert with Principal Michelle Koyama

Thursday, September 22, 2011 • 7:00 –8:30 pm
Hearthstone Common House at Highland Garden Village
4700 West 37th Avenue (Blue Building)

Excellent school leadership and award winning teachers • Honors courses for all grades • Double-digit gains in 2011 CSAP

Art • Two State-of-the-Art Computer Labs • Spanish (advanced and beginning) • Music • Drama • P.E.

Friday Enrichment Electives: Boom, Bang and Bam! (Science), Comics and Graphic Novels, Chess, Woodworking, Yearbook, Soccer, Vampirology, Guitar, Drama, Reel Talk, Skateboard Club, Destination Imagination, Show Choir, Phone Apps, and many more…

Middle School Sports • 6th grade & 7th/8th grade teams • Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Baseball, Football , Basketball • After-school academic and social clubs: College 4 Y.O.U., Art Builds Communities, Mediterranean Cooking, Open Computer Labs, Swimming, Tennis, Teen Tycoons, and many more…

An environment and structure that supports Academic Success • Customized Learning Plans • Peer Support in Learning Families

Can’t make it? Contact Rebecca Caldwell, Skinner Communications, at 720-424-1495 or rebecca_caldwell@dpsk12.org to sign up for a tour or to schedule Shadowing for your 4th or 5thgrader.

Skinner Cross Country Team on a "Runner's High"

2011-09-16T11:24:00.005-06:00

Skinner's Cross Country team got off to a great start at the season's first meet last week at Cheesman Park. Eighth grader Darshan Alcanta placed 15th in the boys competition while the girls pulled in four ribbons: 6th grader Mia Leff placed 6th, 8th graders Ellyn Spetnagel placed 10th, Lily Walter placed 11th and Olivia Friedman placed 13th!

"We have already gotten off to a great start this season," said coach Ms. Winter. "Our returning runners are running further this year and our new team members are fabulous, bringing good positive attitudes and humor. I look forward to our runs everyday because I know will laugh and get exercise, both at the same time."

Students are learning and growing from participating on the Cross Country team. 8th grader Lily explains, "For the last two years at Skinner I've run cross country and have not only gotten lots of exercise, but made new friends and learned more about my body, too. I love cross country!"

"This year I am very excited to participate in such an amazing sport," said Mia Leff, a new 6th grader. "I can't believe how hard I can push myself when I try."

Skinner's Cross Country team is on a "runner's high!"

Skinner Library Receives Library "Boost"

2011-09-15T07:14:00.002-06:00

Skinner's library has $15,000 to spend on new books, thanks to a "Boost" grant from DPS' mill levy fund. Skinner's librarian Dr. Janice Pacheco conducted an assessment of the school's book collection to identify areas of weakness based on title age, condition, grade level appropriateness, student interest and matching to the curricula.

"I will order fiction titles that meet the demand and interest of our students and staff - replacing worn-out favorites and adding new and popular novels," said Dr. Pacheco. "As the librarian at Skinner, I am very excited about upgrading our collection to meet the needs and interest of all of our students."

Heavy emphasis will be placed on upgradingnon-fiction stacks to meet the districts new standards of informational reading for college and career readiness. Titles will reflect student interest and matches to the Social Studies, Math and Science units for all grades. Fiction and non-fiction additions will also include various reading levels to reflect our differentiated-instruction approach and the addition of more challenging books for honors class students.

Dr. Pacheco invites students, staff and parents to provide input -- any reasonable suggestions for titles and/or topics are most welcome!

Meet the 6th Grade Core Classes Teachers

2011-09-06T07:22:00.006-06:00

New Skinner 6th graders are excited about their new school! They're making new friends and loving their classes and 6th grade core teachers. As new 6th grader Sarah said, "I love Skinner, especially my teachers."

So we'd like to introduce you to Skinner's excellent 6th grade core team:

Jessica Goebel

Jessica is from San Diego, California. She attended the University of Southern California where she studied Communication and Cinematic Arts. Jessica has been teaching for four years, this is her second at Skinner. Jessica also worked at MTV News as well as in the press office for the mayor of Los Angeles. Her mom inspires her to work hard and achieve her goals. Jessica’s favorite book is The Bell Jar by Silvia Plath. She enjoys the 16^th Street Mall as well as all the hiking, snow, special events, venues for live music and restaurants around Denver.

would most like to visit Peru
favorite food is sushi
has a grey and white striped kitty named Panther
enjoys playing basketball, watching movies, spending time with family and friends and reading magazines

Jessica Hale

Jessica was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, but she grew up in Colorado. Jessica graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Education. This is her 8^th year teaching and it’s her 3^rd year at Skinner. Jessica’s mother, who is an elementary school teacher, inspired her to teach and support public school. She has had a variety of jobs including substitute teaching, waitressing, and serving in the Air Force Reserve. Jessica lives in Evergreen and loves to hike and play outdoors with her family.

has a perfect 11 month old son named Caise who loves being outside
favorite store is Whole Foods
loves Fuego flavored Takis (which are not found at Whole Foods)
favorite author is David Sedaris

Christopher Martin

Christopher is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University where he received a degree in Secondary Education – Biology/Science. Christopher has been a teacher for four years and has been at Skinner for two years. He has held a diversity of other jobs including farm help, cook, barista, at a skateboard shop. Christopher’s college professor Dr. Bielby inspired him to teach. His favorite book is A Brief History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Christopher enjoys Colorado’s mild weather, low humidity, mountains, skateparks and fondly describes Denver as the “biggest little city.” He describes South America and Europe as top priorities for places he would most like to visit.

favorite foods are pizza or anything sweet
has a handsome cat named Ignacio
enjoys cooking, skateboarding, biking, snowboarding, yoga, exploring and buying shoes

Meghan Nelson

Meghan is from Denver, Colorado. She studied Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University and earned her teaching license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. This is Meghan’s first year teaching and her second at Skinner. Meghan has always had jobs that focus on children, from being a nanny to being a mental health worker at a residential treatment home. Her mother, a teacher for 30 years, inspired Meghan to join the field of education. She enjoys reading non-fiction and two of her favorite books are A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage, and A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Meghan loves hiking, biking, reading, and playing tennis in the wonderful Colorado weather.

Would love to travel the world, starting with Africa
Favorite foods are pizza, sushi, and tinga
Enjoys cooking, reading, playing with her niece and nephews, and spending time with her two sisters

Luz Torres

Luz is from Juarez, Mexico. She studied Metallurgical Engineering in El Paso, TX and got her teaching license at CU Boulder. Luz has been teaching for fourteen years, 10 at Skinner. Luz also worked as a manufacturing quality control engineer as well as a chemical lab supervisor. Her personal hero is her dad, a retired middle school Biology teacher and an inspiration. She enjoys the weather and the vegetation of Colorado.

would most like to visit Europe
favorite foods are enchiladas and chiles rellenos
depending on the weather, Luz enjoys riding her bicycle, watching movies, listening to music or reading science magazines

Neighborhood Middle Schools NOW: Message to School Board

2011-08-19T13:46:00.005-06:00

Last night the School Board met to discuss middle school options in DPS. Karin Ahern on the NOW leadership team sent a letter advocating for more attention and resources for neighborhood middle schools so we can continue building Skinner into the "go-to" school in Northwest Denver...and so that other neighborhoods around the city have the opportunity to do do the same. Mike Kiley, a fellow NOW-er, attended the meeting and read the letter aloud to the Board members and audience:

Dear Superintendent Boasberg and Members of the Board,

Today well over 100 new 6^th grade children walked or rode their bikes to Skinner their neighborhood middle school . As parents of these students we are excited that this option exists and that our children will remain in their community instead of taking buses across town to niche magnet or charter schools to access strong basic education programs. It was a privilege to see the 6th graders at Skinner who will benefit from the efforts of Skinner, NOW, DPS and now the diversity that will enrich the culture, learning and rising scores of this wonderful neighborhood school.

Our parent led group Northwest Neighborhood Middle Schools NOW – also known as NOW – has worked closely with you and the Skinner school staff to promote this option because it is what the community is asking for. Two years ago many of us sat on the stage at North High School advocating for an academically strong, diverse well rounded middle school without an application process or lottery. A groundswell of supporters from many NW schools emerged giving us the foundation of support we needed to create NOW. Since then, we have attended countless community meetings, surveyed our neighborhood and have had thousands of conversations with parents informally and with the Northwest coalition effort.

The wants are always the same. – strong neighborhood middle schools! Like most DPS families, what we really want are local schools with rigorous academics, rich visual and performing arts, diverse athletics and deep enrichment programs. While our kids have special talents and interests, we believe neighborhood schools are the best place for them to pursue them, provided the DPS administration, board, parents, students and community puts the effort and resources into making them great schools.

I write to you today because it still seems like there has continued to be a mismatch between what parents want and are asking for and what the Board and Administration hears and is set on churning out. NOW leaders recently attended a city-wide Middle School meeting this August hearing the same message. It is frustrating to work so hard towards growing a community middle school that is great for all kids knowing that the Board and Administration continues to prioritize and support niche programs and charters.

We are all at a crossroads where the needs and desires of all parents must be acknowledged and rebalanced with the DPS approach to school reform. We ask that you take steps tonight to illustrate that you hear all parents and to be specific about how DPS and the Board of Education will support neighborhood middle and high schools.

Sincerely,

Karin Ahern (on behalf of NOW! and the myriad parents in our neighborhood)

NWNMSNOW member and parent (Sknner 6^th, Edison 2^nd)

New Student Discovers 6th Grade Academy Is Fun

2011-08-16T08:47:00.002-06:00

My name is Mia Leff. This year I am attending 6th grade at Skinner. I attended Edison Elementary until last year. I am very excited to move on to middle school and very happy Skinner is helping me ease into this HUGE step.

When I first entered 6th Grade Academy I was nervous and scared. I scanned the premises looking for familiar faces. I saw a lot of faces that I recognized from Edison. Most were people that I had never really talked to.  I took a seat next to a friend of mine in the front row.

We sat in the auditorium so we could learn about the basics that everybody needed to know. Then we broke into groups. In those groups, we toured the school and learned about other things such as the agenda. The agenda is a planner for school where you write homework assignments.

After a little while we went outside and played team-oriented games to learn about each other. One game we played was Human Pretzel. In that game we learned to feel comfortable with other students by holding hands. (Holding hands is not something a lot of middle schoolers like to do.)

Skinner 6th Grade Academy was a very fun experience and a great way to get us used to the new school. I really enjoyed the overall involvement and the ability to learn new things about a school I would be attending in a week.