Skinner is all I have done since August 19th, 2010. When I look back, I can remember that first week like it was yesterday. My mom went to the First PTA meeting and came home the PTA president, as usual.

My year started with summer school, masked as “6th Grade Academy.” There I met Ms. Frahm, my awesome 6th grade Language Arts teacher who doubled as my basketball coach. But, during my first days of Skinner my most vivid memories surrounded some crazy 8th grade teacher, who I didn’t really know yet. His main goal was to scare us, as he yelled up and down the halls. And if you were so unlucky to be left accidently after school by your brothers, this teacher, known as Mr. Dehning, would use his line of, “Stick out your hand, make it into a fist, now put out your thumb. Now you have a way home.” After school, I found a strange safety in being the only 6th grader in Skinner’s Drama club, holding Ms. Gilman’s new baby while she was directing. Yet, what was most astounding was the support from all my teachers my 6th grade year. We were like a little family Mrs. Torres, Mr. Martin, Ms. Hale and Ms. Frahm, working together to make sure we succeeded.

Then there came the cool 7th grade. Mr. Smith and Ms. Winter joked around, but got us to somehow do our work without us knowing. Mr. Dennis and Ms. Anderson pushed us to our limits on assignments such as the “Monologue” to be performed in front of Mr. Dennis, his face never giving away any clue to our grade, or the infamous “Reformation” assignment, where Ms. Anderson challenged our views on government and religion. All these teachers expected us to do our best, and if we did not succeed they would amply assign PIE and Saturday School. This was also the year Mr. Dwyer came to Skinner and I found my love for violin and music. That summer, I went on the Washington D.C. trip. Ms. Frahm and Mr. Dehning, that crazy teacher who taught me to hitchhike when I was 11 were the chaperones. That opportunity changed my life; the trip brought us closer as a Skinner community.

8th grade year, finally, we had made it to the top, only one more year at Skinner. I became close to my drama teacher and now 8th grade Language Arts teacher, Ms. Gilman, my official second mom. My drama class became even more exciting with the introduction Maestra Allen, the spunky Spanish teacher with a love of crazy wigs. The very loud teacher I barely knew as a 6th grader, and who took me to D.C., became a good friend, and even a cooler history teacher. I was lucky to meet this next teacher before 8th grade, when she came to my house on a home visit; Ms. Skrobko, one of the nicest people I know. She took me in her learning family when my schedule was changed. She helped me make a pointless science fair project idea into a meaningful research project that I was interested in. She became someone who was always there when we needed to catch up. Then there is Ms. Murayama. Well, I think we are definitely ready for high school. She taught me one of the hardest lessons we had to learn before high school. She explained, ‘The teachers will not, I repeat will not, follow you around for your homework. If you don’t have it the day it is due, you have to turn it in on your own time.” But that is why I will miss her; she like other teachers she gave us a reality check. We are going to high school, we have to be ready.

I feel that Skinner has been a long road of preparation, hard work, but has given us what we need for our future. So this I believe. I believe in Skinner. In the opportunities and memories made in its hallways. I believe Skinner has created the future presidents, CEOs, valedictorians, actors and actresses; people who will go on to be translators, professional orchestra or band members. I believe that where ever we decide to go, what ever we decide to be, Skinner will have affected and will continue to affect how we will make decisions, and live our lives, continuing our educational journey. So, I believe in Skinner. I believe in us.

Some of the gleanings that have deeply impacted me are:

• The commitment of the entire staff in developing life-long learners – your hunger to improve and perfect your craft pours mightily into the students.
• A student support team that perseveres, adapts, and is unrelenting in creating a seamless safety net for all students
• A leadership team that pours their heart and energy into building capital within every member of their team
• The ‘linking of arms’ in the task of creating an even better Skinner: from afterschool PIE/tutoring, to character development in the cafeteria, to the sparkle that is continuously present in the facilities, to the collaborative efforts of Neighborhood center and School. Everyone gets involved!!
• Finally, a pervasive willingness to step in and help when there is a need.

Thank you for embracing me as a learning Leader and investing in me! I hope to make a ‘Skinner thumbprint’ on the schools I get the privilege of serving!

~Brad Mann

“Research has shown that a deep understanding of science is grounded in doing science. Not only do students need to understand scientific content, but they must also understand the scientific investigation process,” said Polly Andrews, director of youth and teacher programs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “By conducting their own long-term science investigations, UA Metro Denver gives students a chance to learn science in a manner that is not currently available in these school districts.”

UA Metro Denver provided professional development opportunities to give teachers the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach STEM content in a rapidly changing world. The program tapped into the traditionally underutilized resources and STEM-related expertise of science-based cultural institutions who share the formal education system’s commitment to improved science thinking.

“In the fall, all of our students were expected to complete a science fair project and present to a judge,” said Ms. Amy Winter, 7th grade science teacher. “In the spring, 7th graders completed and presented another research based project, but students could choose how to explain their findings, through Power Points, Prezis, movies/videos and even clay models.”

Skinner students chose a topic of interest, conducted an independent science investigation project, documented the process and presented their findings to a peer group. Out of 400 applicants, 11 Skinner 7th graders were chosen to present their research at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on May 11th.

“My partner and I researched bear activity, conducting field research at the Denver Zoo five times using our free vouchers for this experiment,” said Elena Barragan, one of the scholars chosen to present their research at the museum. “We concluded that bears are more active in the afternoon because they are tired in the morning due to the enrichment activities they are given to search for their food.”

Modeled after the successful New York City Urban Advantage developed by the American Museum of Natural History and the NYC Department of Education, UA Metro Denver was FREE thanks to a generous grant from the National Science Foundation Discovery K-12 Research Program.

Skinner has prepared me for the peaks that lay ahead on my educational path. Skinner also gave me a strong foundation and very high expectations were placed on me at Skinner. A few ways Skinner has prepared me is that I can feel confident about being successful in Honors classes and I can do 10th grade math next year when I’m in 9th grade. With the magnificent learning experience I received at Skinner I am proud to call myself a Skinner Scholar.

The next chapter of my life will start at North High. I am so happy to be going to North for the next four years. I’m happy because the school is a rising star and I will love being a part of a small revolution. I am also excited about the great academics North provides to its students. I can take AP and college classes while I’m there. North sounds like a great school, it is very traditional. When I graduate from North, it will be exactly 50 years after my dad graduated from North. North is a new mountain of challenges, but because of Skinner, I am ready to travel this terrain.

- D.J. McAllister, 8th grade Skinner student

Building solar- and battery-powered cars requires skills in both math and science. The primary goal of the competitions is to generate enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills at a crucial stage in the development of young people. The competitions also help improve students’ understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies, and encourages young people to consider technical careers at an early age.

Representing Skinner in 8th place were team leaders Demetrius Sabell and Maximus Sabell along with Dylan Mey. In 17th place was team leader Ryan Breitenstein along with Luis Nava. Several middle schools from all around the state entered into solar and lithium battery races totaling 86 cars.  Special thank you to Heather Versailles of the Neighborhood Center for spearheading the semester-long project.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nrel.gov/education/jss_hfc.html

Scorpion Botanic Garden – Help is needed!

Skinner’s Special Education class and teacher have launched a very exciting project and we need the community’s help!

The garden is intended to be a place to learn and grow for Skinner’s  Multi-Intensive special education class.  Specifically the garden will teach  math, science and life skills in a practical and fun way.

The students and their teacher, Ms. Jamie Kitchen, have already put in a lot of effort to make this happen. The DPS Facility Management Office has approved the site at the school and the DPS Sustainability Office, which oversees all gardens at DPS schools, is helping to guide this effort.  They have been a big help to Ms. Kitchen and the students in figuring out what to plant, garden design, etc.

On Monday, May 13, all Skinner students were able to enjoy a free dress day (out of dress code) with a minimum $1 donation to the garden.  Skinner’s 6th grade honors science class is also helping the special ed class with this project. Other groups have also helped including the Grands, the grandparent and community elder group who do volunteer activities at the school and Ms. Kitchen has already signed parents up to help with the watering during the summer when school will be closed. As you can see, while this is specifically for the special education class, the entire Skinner family is supporting this project.

Skinner’s corporate partner, Zachry Engineering (www.zhi.com), has made a generous donation of the funds necessary to build a fence around the garden.  Additionally, Taming Nature Garden Center (38th & Clay) and Home Depot (Wadsworth & 52nd) have donated supplies.

Two weeks ago, the class walked up and down a few of the bustling streets of the Highlands neighborhood asking neighbors and local businesses if they would help fund our garden and received almost $200 in cash donations to purchase supplies. “We also passed out flyers and talked to people about our garden plans. It was a great afternoon to practice our communication skills and get people interested in what Skinner is doing,” said Ms. Kitchen

If you are interested in donating to this amazing project, please see below for the items we still need. Any help is appreciated and gently used items are welcomed.

The primary need is for funding to complete the garden. We need approximately $300 more for the garden, as well as the items listed below.  Please contact Ms. Kitchen at Jamie_kitchen@dpsk12.org or 720-424-1513 to donate.  Please also see the class blog at http://scorpionbotanicgarden.wordpress.com/ for updates and more photos.

DONATIONS NEEDED (New or gently used items are great!):

Cash donations of any amount ($300 total needed)

Soil (100 40lb bags)

Cinder Blocks (224)

Garden Trowels (15)

Large Shovels

Gardening Gloves (20 pairs)

Hand Held Weeding Forks (10)

Large Watering Cans (5)

Garden Hose (1)

Garden Hose Reel (1)

Nozzle/Wands for Hose (1)

Bricks or Composite Boards for Lining Planting Areas

Garden Signs

Ground Stakes to Label Plants (30)

Picnic Tables/Benches/Items for Sitting Areas

Each student met regularly with a volunteer mentor in their profession, and completed a project and class presentation. The following students participated this spring:

Ben Waters, medical mentorship with Kori Neessen, medical student at Anschutz Medical Center.Ben spent his mentorship around cadavers and human organs, and did an in-depth study on concussions. He even brought some of the organs to his class presentation. “I am so happy that this opportunity was available to me. It really inspired me in my life. Now I’m really interested in medicine. My mentor was so nice and so hard working but was still funny and able to make it fun.” class presentation

Melina Kilen, journalism mentorship with Julie Dugdale, senior editor at 5280 Magazine.

Melina visited Julie weekly in her downtown office, learning about the writing process and magazine production. She met with staff involved in the production, and is now even more motivated to pursue a career in writing. For her project, Melina wrote a restaurant review by doing research, interviewing the owner, and writing the story. restaurant review

Dorian Earnest, vintage photography mentorship with Mandell Winter, Colorado Camera Collectors Club.Dorian developed photos in a dark room, attended a camera show, and explored antique camera collections. class presentation

Max Julien, programming mentorship with Addison LeMessurier, programmer at Phobic Studios. Max built an iPhone app while learning about the variety of roles in software development: designers, testers, sound designers, artists, publishers, producers, and investors. “At my time inside Phobic, I realized how fun the job is.” By the end, Max was addicted to writing code! class presentation

Megan Gilman and Annabel Allen were pleased with the enthusiasm in drama and had over 30 students participate this spring.  “Because Drama has grown so much this year we were able to double cast” said Ms Gilman.  Both casts are amazing and won ribbons and praise at last month’s DPS Shakespeare Festival. Come see a truly great performance and celebrate our NW Denver budding middle school actors.

Additionally, the Skinner Band and Orchestra will have respective performances immediately following the play.  Over 90 students participated this year in Skinner’s music program with the Arts Night as the culmination of all of their hard work.

Please come and enjoy the Skinner Middle School Arts Night.

• Wednesday May 15 at 6:30
  A Midsummer Nights Dream, Immediately following – Band Performance
• Thursday, May 16 at 6:30
  A Midsummer Nights Dream, Immediately following – Orchestra Performance

To order a DVD or request the online video from the night, please make an online request (by May 24) and consider a donation to the drama program

The team started the season in dramatic fashion, winning their first game in extra time. During the season, they went on to score a lot of goals and boasted an impressive 6-1 record. Their excellent play advanced them to the second round of the playoffs before losing 4-2 to last year’s champion. The 20 girls on the team brought a range of experience – from first-time players to players who have played since they were five years old. But one thing the girls had in common: they all had fun playing together!

Comprised of mostly 6th graders, some with little or no experience, the baseball team impressed with effort and progress all season. Of all the team members at Skinner, one student in particular made great strides in throwing, ball handling, and hitting. It was inspiring to watch the other team members rally around this student with coaching efforts of their own. The coaches and school are very proud of this team!

The boys basketball team finished strong by winning their last three games, a big improvement after a slow start. Hard practice and teamwork made the difference, and now several players will attend a summer basketball camp.

Please join us for the Skinner Talent Show, this Thursday evening at 6pm in the Skinner auditorium.  Several students have auditioned and 15 will be performing.  The talent ranges from acting/skits to acoustic guitar performances and dancing. Come and support our talented and brave performers.  Skinner Middle School is proud to present the lineup:

•  Jazmine Eaton —- Self-Composed Song

•  Ivy Medina —- Singing

•  Savannah Roche —- Piano and Singing

•  Kimberly Aguilera and Jules Martinez —- Singing

•  Daniel Martinez —- Singing

• Cheyanne Burton —- Singing

• Sabrina Rodriguez and Kyanna Burrell – Dancing

• Destiny and Alyssa Laws —- Singing

•  Janae Cashman —- Singing

•  Ayleen Lepe —- Singing

•  Yukiko Vega and Elicia Hernandez —- Singing

•  Maya Stone —- Guitar and Singing

•  Rose Solis —- Singing

•  Adia Bousman —- Singing

•  Demetrius Sabell, Maximus Sabell, and Ozborn   Schneider —- Acting/Skits

Admission to the Skinner Talent Show is a donation of one non-perishable food item.

MILE HIGH RUN – Saturday, May 4 beginning at 8:30 am

The Mile High 5 Race at Sloan’s Lake is a community RUN to support NW Denver schools.  Please come support Skinner by running, walking or watching.

Three different runs (or walks) are scheduled:  A 5000 ft “Fun Run” will begin at 8:30 a.m., a 5K run will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a 5 Mile Race will start at 9:15.

Please sign up (it’s not too late) or come and cheer Skinner students, teachers and families!

To register: http://milehigh5race.eventbrite.com