Incoming 6th grade families gather for BBQ in park

More than 20 incoming Skinner 6^th graders and their families from Edison and Polarlis @ Ebert elementary schools gathered together on Monday for a cookout at Rocky Mountain Lake Park – a great way to usher in the beginning of summer and also to celebrate going to Skinner next year.

Principal Michelle Koyama was on hand, along with two Skinner teachers, Chris Martin (6^thgrade Science) and Brad Smith ( 7^th grade Math). Kids mingled with other future classmates, and parents got a chance to connect and ask Skinner staff about the daily schedule, Honors classes, sports and extracurricular activities.

“It was really fun and I felt that I was going to know a lot of people when I go to Skinner next year," said Avery Ahern, an incoming 6^th grader.

Maya Stone, another new student agreed, “It was fun because I got to meet other people that are going to Skinner next year kids that will likely be in my classes.”

“I loved the evening – it was a warm, and inviting group of kids and parents, and I thought the kids clicked immediately," said parent Shannon McKinney. "I had a chance to talk to several teachers and was very impressed by their passion and commitment.”

After this get-together, these families are even more convinced that Skinner is a great choice for their kids and the neighborhood.

Skinner Scholars Give Back to NW Community

School's out for summer! But Skinner Cares Day was a big hit with students and the community alike in May before the year ended.

Students planned community service projects all year long in their "learning families," the small groups that meet several times a week to provide academic and social support for Skinner Scholars.

Projects were as diverse as the students themselves – stocking and preparing boxes at Bievenidos Food Bank on W. 32nd Ave to pitching in to clean up Confluence Park along the Platte River. One group hosted an ice cream party to raise $131.93 to support the Max Fund, a no-kill shelter for abandoned pets.

"We created a big check and presented it to Chelsea, who almost cried with joy because the money would buy 17 bags of dog and cat food and some toys," explained one student. "We were invited back to come volunteer and we are so excited to come back and help!"

Building community through public service is a key component of Skinner's vision. Many students made commitments to continue their community volunteering beyond this one day, showing that Skinner Scholars are on their way to becoming tomorrow's leaders.