As the air carries a crispness unique to autumn, it’s difficult for me to believe that November is already upon us. Though I have only been part of University Park Elementary officially for three months, the welcome of this warm and caring community has felt more like a homecoming. I am awed at the deep commitment that teachers and parents have to this school, and believe that with our tremendous teamwork there is nothing that UPark cannot achieve! We already celebrate success and I believe the future holds continued and growing excellence.

This autumn brings great honors for UPark! In September, Denver Public Schools unveiled the new School Performance Framework (SPF) designed to provide a multifaceted view of school performance including student progress over time, student achievement levels and student engagement and satisfaction. UPark is the proud recipient of a Distinguished rating on the SPF – among only five elementary schools to receive this honor.  This ranking affirms the vision and academic excellence that drive the efforts of everyone in our school community.

As a pioneer in school nutrition and wellness programs, our school was also recently honored by the Colorado Culture of Health. Our focus is to embrace, adopt and implement the DPS Wellness Guidelines in our everyday culture at UPark.  Supported by a firm foundational belief that healthy bodies support healthy minds, UPark sets healthy eating and physical fitness as priorities. Nutritious snacks are treasured by children and adults alike, evidenced by the students flocking to the office after school each day hoping to get a piece of fruit. Physical education is an important part of daily academic life with students and staff making time to exercise. In fact our commitment to physical fitness made its annual public debut with our 3rd Annual Fun Run on Saturday, November 15th. Hundreds of people gathered to run, play, and celebrate our wellness as well as our commitment to the community. I’ll never forget the electrifying energy as we all warmed up at the start of the run, nor the smiles of children and adults walking and running together for our school.

Though the days are getting shorter, the future looks bright at University Park. During this season of light, celebrate time with family and learn together. Reread treasured tales that come around but once a year. Bake and cook together. Decorate your home.  Create memories.

I am grateful to be a part of this vibrant community! Thank you to each and every one of you. I look forward to us creating more memories of joy and celebration together in 2009.