As we begin preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 school year, we kindly request that if your family does not intend to return to Slavens, please take a moment to complete this form. Your response is not binding or official; rather, it is designed to provide us with a better understanding of who will be returning for the next school year. Thank you for your help.
https://forms.gle/uAyc7Nmyr2XZWkvL9
https://forms.gle/uAyc7Nmyr2XZWkvL9
Dear Slavens Community,
I’ve been selected to serve on Denver Public Schools’ Communication Devices Advisory Committee. As part of this work, I’m helping gather family perspectives, and I invite you to share your input using the form linked below. You are also welcome to share the form with other parents or caregivers, including those with students at other DPS schools, so we can hear from as many voices as possible.
This group is supporting the Board of Education as they develop a districtwide policy regarding student possession of communication devices (such as cell phones) during the school day. A new Colorado law requires every district to adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, and DPS is gathering feedback from families, students, and staff so the recommendation reflects real school experiences and community priorities.
We’re hoping to better understand:
• what is working well right now
• concerns about learning, safety, and student well-being
• what expectations should look like across grade levels
• how policies can be equitable for all students
If you would prefer to share your thoughts in conversation rather than completing the form, I would be happy to connect. Please email me and we can arrange a time.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective.
Warmly,
Darcie Forde
https://www.dpsk12.org/page/communication-devices-advisory-committee
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUfk7K3kWjSwp7uT9G1UC_hgQ2oPBKSv7-9SND5u2o8YyjUw/viewform
I’ve been selected to serve on Denver Public Schools’ Communication Devices Advisory Committee. As part of this work, I’m helping gather family perspectives, and I invite you to share your input using the form linked below. You are also welcome to share the form with other parents or caregivers, including those with students at other DPS schools, so we can hear from as many voices as possible.
This group is supporting the Board of Education as they develop a districtwide policy regarding student possession of communication devices (such as cell phones) during the school day. A new Colorado law requires every district to adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, and DPS is gathering feedback from families, students, and staff so the recommendation reflects real school experiences and community priorities.
We’re hoping to better understand:
• what is working well right now
• concerns about learning, safety, and student well-being
• what expectations should look like across grade levels
• how policies can be equitable for all students
If you would prefer to share your thoughts in conversation rather than completing the form, I would be happy to connect. Please email me and we can arrange a time.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective.
Warmly,
Darcie Forde
https://www.dpsk12.org/page/communication-devices-advisory-committee
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUfk7K3kWjSwp7uT9G1UC_hgQ2oPBKSv7-9SND5u2o8YyjUw/viewform
Tomorrow morning our school will participate in district-run safety drills, including a lockdown drill and a secured perimeter drill.
Safety drills help students and staff practice what to do in different situations so everyone can respond calmly and quickly.
Lockdown: Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students remain quiet and out of sight while teachers follow directions from the office.
Secured Perimeter: Learning continues inside the building, but exterior doors are locked and no one enters or exits while staff address a situation outside.
Both drills are brief, structured, and supervised by staff who support students throughout the process.
We ask that you please talk with your child tonight so they know what to expect. When students understand ahead of time, the experience is much less stressful and helps them feel prepared.
Helpful resources for families
Kid-friendly animated video (great for younger students):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYAdbGNk-tc
Denver Public Schools Standard Response Protocol:
https://docs.dpsk12.org/o/safety/page/standard-response-protocol
This explains the same safety language students will hear at school and can help guide conversations at home.
If your child feels worried, reassure them these are practice scenarios and adults at school are trained to keep them safe. Practicing helps everyone know exactly what to do.
Please contact me with questions or concerns.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe.
Darcie Forde
Slavens Principal
Safety drills help students and staff practice what to do in different situations so everyone can respond calmly and quickly.
Lockdown: Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students remain quiet and out of sight while teachers follow directions from the office.
Secured Perimeter: Learning continues inside the building, but exterior doors are locked and no one enters or exits while staff address a situation outside.
Both drills are brief, structured, and supervised by staff who support students throughout the process.
We ask that you please talk with your child tonight so they know what to expect. When students understand ahead of time, the experience is much less stressful and helps them feel prepared.
Helpful resources for families
Kid-friendly animated video (great for younger students):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYAdbGNk-tc
Denver Public Schools Standard Response Protocol:
https://docs.dpsk12.org/o/safety/page/standard-response-protocol
This explains the same safety language students will hear at school and can help guide conversations at home.
If your child feels worried, reassure them these are practice scenarios and adults at school are trained to keep them safe. Practicing helps everyone know exactly what to do.
Please contact me with questions or concerns.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe.
Darcie Forde
Slavens Principal
Dear Families and Community Members,
I am writing to inform you that tomorrow our school will have a higher-than-usual number of staff members absent due to participation in National ICE Out Day, a national movement taking place across many schools and organizations.
To maintain school operations, we will have some substitute teachers in place, along with additional district staff on site. For the welfare and benefit of our students, we will make every effort to keep the school day as normal as possible with the resources available to us.
We remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all students. Student safety, supervision, and well-being will continue to be our top priorities.
This is a developing situation, and I will share additional information if it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership as we work to support our students and school community.
Sincerely,
Darcie Forde, Principal
Corey Wagner, Assistant Principal
Lisa LoJacono, Dean of Middle School
I am writing to inform you that tomorrow our school will have a higher-than-usual number of staff members absent due to participation in National ICE Out Day, a national movement taking place across many schools and organizations.
To maintain school operations, we will have some substitute teachers in place, along with additional district staff on site. For the welfare and benefit of our students, we will make every effort to keep the school day as normal as possible with the resources available to us.
We remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all students. Student safety, supervision, and well-being will continue to be our top priorities.
This is a developing situation, and I will share additional information if it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership as we work to support our students and school community.
Sincerely,
Darcie Forde, Principal
Corey Wagner, Assistant Principal
Lisa LoJacono, Dean of Middle School
Thanks to the partnership between FOSS and PTA -- and the incredibly generous donors in our community -- we were able to invest in a brand-new tech lab in the library at the start of this school year. This remarkable community is what makes Slavens the standout school it is, providing a strong foundation for our children's future success. We are grateful for every contribution, monetary and otherwise! -- PTA & FOSS https://youtu.be/uzPiziemJvI?si=G2ixsSiPYpQbi_Zc
❄️Happy Holidays, Slavens families! ❄️
Winter Break is December 20–January 5. We’ll see everyone back on Tuesday, January 6. Enjoy the break!
Winter Break is December 20–January 5. We’ll see everyone back on Tuesday, January 6. Enjoy the break!
📌 Reminder: No School Friday, October 31st 📌
📌 Reminder: No School Monday, October 13📌
Slavens Carnival Today
September 26, 3:30 to 5:30pm
Join us for this time-honored, festive, family event hosted by the 8th graders as they give back to their community while raising funds to support their May continuation ceremony. This year’s carnival will be held on Friday, Sept. 26th from 3:30-5:30pm on the Slavens playground. Games! Face painting! Fortune Teller! Cake walk! Food and more!!! You don’t want to miss out!
This event is open to friends, family, and neighbors. For non-Slavens’ attendees simply note your older child’s homeroom in the memo line for ticket distribution. The more the merrier, so don’t delay and purchase your tickets here: https://www.givebacks.com/shop/stores/8bc88093-dccf-4a7a-a19b-97c62a55250f/items/873676
School Starts Tomorrow!
⏰ School Times
Middle School: 8:20 AM
Elementary: 8:25 AM
Dismissal for All Students: 3:25 PM
🚗 Please use the car drop-off lane for arrival.
🚲 For everyone’s safety, please remind your children not to ride bikes, scooters, or skateboards on the playground.
📵 Reminder: Slavens is a cell phone and smart watch free school from 8:20–3:25. If you need to get in touch with your child, please call the office.
We are so excited to kick off a wonderful school year together!
⏰ School Times
Middle School: 8:20 AM
Elementary: 8:25 AM
Dismissal for All Students: 3:25 PM
🚗 Please use the car drop-off lane for arrival.
🚲 For everyone’s safety, please remind your children not to ride bikes, scooters, or skateboards on the playground.
📵 Reminder: Slavens is a cell phone and smart watch free school from 8:20–3:25. If you need to get in touch with your child, please call the office.
We are so excited to kick off a wonderful school year together!
We can't wait to see you tonight!
💻 Annual Verification / Online Registration
All families must complete Annual Verification/Register Online before the first day of school.
How to Complete
To register online, sign in to the Parent Portal, click on “See All Apps”, then click on “Online Registration” to verify or update your student’s information. Now you will be logged into Infinite Campus; use their menu and select ‘More’ from the dropdown menu and click on ‘Online registration’. Online registration can only be completed by the parent/guardian listed in the primary household of the student record.
All families must complete Annual Verification/Register Online before the first day of school.
How to Complete
To register online, sign in to the Parent Portal, click on “See All Apps”, then click on “Online Registration” to verify or update your student’s information. Now you will be logged into Infinite Campus; use their menu and select ‘More’ from the dropdown menu and click on ‘Online registration’. Online registration can only be completed by the parent/guardian listed in the primary household of the student record.
We’re also looking forward to seeing many of you at our Popsicle Social on Thursday, August 14 from 5:00–6:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect, meet new families, and enjoy a sweet treat before the first day of school.
