Welcome to Swigert International School
Letter from Principal Tencate
This last update is divided out into our six overarching IB themes…
HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES
Principal Update
WHO WE ARE:
Vision
Swigert International School strives to create innovative, intellectually curious students who share a sense of stewardship for creating a better and more peaceful world.
Mission
Swigert will achieve this vision by developing knowledgeable, inquisitive and compassionate young people.
Knowledgeable
Swigert International School provides a challenging and engaging intellectual program to ensure that each child reaches his or her full potential.
Inquisitive
Through highly effective instructional practices, and including the use of technology, the environment and community resources, Swigert inspires creativity, curiosity and critical thinking.
Compassionate
Swigert develops respectful students who care for themselves, their communities and the world around them.
WHERE WE ARE IN PLACE AND TIME
May 2014
Dear Swigert Families,
I cannot believe that we are one week away from the end of another amazing school year! This next week our students and our staff are all engaged in the learner profile attribute of reflection–reflection on the year, on his/her own growth, areas of strength and areas for growth as well as reflection on and celebration of the journey! The 2013-2014 school year has been one of growth and change for us as a community.
This year we added 4th grade, continued to strengthen and deepen our International Baccalaureate curriculum, bid Chuck a fond farewell, contributed to community organizations through donations of time and/or materials building on the IB philosophy of service and responsibility, revised our Innovation Plan and our Vision and Mission Statements to the approval of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education, had several fabulous events including the direct giving parties, the auction and Touch a Truck–all raising significant funds to support our school initiatives, received a grant to support coaching and professional growth for our faculty next year, participated in the Shakespeare Festival for the first time, opened the garden as an outdoor classroom for our students, and watched an exploration take the stage as a full blown musical production… to name just a few.
HOW THE WORLD WORKS
We defined themes for each of our grade levels that serve as concept umbrellas for all of the IB units studied during the year. They are: ECE: Connections, Kinder: Communication, First: Systems, Second: Change, Third: Interactions, Fourth: Discovery
Our students engaged in hands on units about renewable and non- renewable resources, patterns in the world, water, systems, breakdowns in systems, immigration, the mind body connection, medieval history, schools around the world, Colorado History, Shakespeare, migration, economies, farming around the world, the arts, cultural exchange, the origins of democracy, local and state government, change makers who’ve shaped our world, the scientific process, shaping our communities, speaking up for things we believe in, regions of the united states, the fossil record, discoveries that changed our world and many, many more.
Now, it is time for the kids to enjoy a few weeks off! They have worked hard this year.
SHARING THE PLANET
Speaking of hard work, the McAuliffe staff is busily packing boxes and moving furniture as they prepare to make the final move to the Smiley campus. We are sad to bid our friends at McAuliffe good bye. However, next year we welcome the new middle school, The Denver Discovery School, to our building. You will see the DDS 6th graders starting up in the fall. We are excited to welcome them as our new shared space partner.
HOW WE ORGANIZE OURSELVES
Next week, please look for a hard copy of the calendar for next year. It will be coming home with your student/s. The calendar has a few minor changes from the district calendar. We will also be posting the calendar to the Swigert website. Mark your calendars for Meet the Teacher Night on August 21, 2014 in the late afternoon. In July, please keep an eye out for email communications on class list postings and other information.
And finally, I wish you all a relaxing vacation from school. I hope you will have plenty of time to enjoy your children these next few months. We have certainly loved having them with us this year!
Best,
Liz TenCate
Principal
Swigert International School
Be a part the SIS Walk of Pride!
A walkway of pavers has been installed in front of the main entrance to the school building and each year the blank pavers will be replaced with engraved personalized pavers. Students will appreciate seeing their names, or those of family and friends, as they arrive each day at school! The funds raised by this project will go toward providing many valuable resources to SIS students. Order now for installation of your paver before the school year this fall! Click this link to fill out your form with instructions for payment, or to ask a question:http://swigertpta.com/sis-pavers/
Check out the photos of Mayor Michael Hancock’s visit to Swigert!
